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lifespan?
Mikaela
Engracia
May 27,2016
BioChem Inquiry, P4
How can stem cells be used to treat and cure the ill or diseased?
With the promising potential of stem cells, it is no surprise that scientists
have begun working to harness and control their abilities. One of the main goals,
as well as an initial stage, is to identify the process of the stem cell
differentiation, transforming into specialized units. Genetics play a significant
role in their creation as varying codes signal for distinctive types of cells in
organs and tissues. For this reason, understanding the process aids towards
explaining medical conditions and problems at birth. Moreover, yielding enough
What are the ethical and religious issues that oppose further
advancement in research of stem cells?
There is a controversial debate regarding the use and rapid progress of
this biological finding and with its particular regards to embryos. Like many
debates, people of different occupations and views feel obligated to express their
arguments, such as politicians, the government, scientists, and ethicists, who are
then covered by the media. Issues are brought about the moral dilemma of its
management and destruction as we struggle as a progressing race to determine
the importance of our values in society and as an individual. It is between the
responsibility of relieving pain for those suffering or adhere to the moral
obligation of valuing every possible human life. As mentioned earlier, embryonic
stem cells are much easier to culture, use, and therefore, research for potential
applications in order to learn more about the body. However, every single one
that is used will be destroyed in the process. The problem kicks in with the
controversy of the moral status of this embryo. Does it have the same
equivalence as a fully grown individual despite lacking organs and ability to think
for itself?
Many believe that from fertilization and onwards it gains full privileges
equal to a man. It is simply beginning to develop, constantly changing over time
and although it is still at a very early stage, it will eventually become a human
and should be given equal rights and respect in this regard. Since it was
originally taken from within the female, it is restricted from its original purpose;
to live. In other words, it can be seen as a morally deplorable act of taking a
babys life for the treatment of other people by harvesting it. The idea of murder
is unsettling yet another possibility of the future of this research can be
considered. With large advancements, embryos may eventually be generated
only with the purpose of being destroyed which others see as a genocide.
Nonetheless, it is undeniably true that every living being has been through the
embryonic stage and therefore, embryos hold the same rights and privileges of
a full grown man. (eurostemcell.org, 2015; HSCI, 2007)
Meanwhile, on the other side of the spectrum, others oppose and strongly
disagree due to the strong and vast differences that vary in each state. An
embryo that is not implanted in a female is unable to grow and therefore develop
emotional or physical properties. It needs external aid in order to obtain the
features and form considered to be normal. Even if it is implanted in the uterus
through in vitro fertilization, the probability of a successful birth is low. What
could be human should not be treated as if it is already human. With this in mind,
it would also be unable to show interest in being protected. It then reinforces the
argument that the idea in which leftover embryos would benefit more for
patients who are truly considered people. They are organic materials similar to
every other part of the body until advanced enough to survive by itself. Just like
how a skin cell, liver cell, or stomach cell, are parts of a human, yet none are
considered a person. (eurostemcell.org, 2015; J. Sandel & R. McHugh, 2004)
Through Religion
In another outlook, religions range in the views of handling the surplus of
embryos in specialized clinics along with the conduct of its research. The
Conclusion
Although there is still much research, data, and laboratory work to be done
regarding the capabilities of stem cells, they are a significant stepping stone in
the scientific and medical field. Its discovery has led to a new area for specialists
to help ill and diseased people, benefitting the working economy and growing
society. As a constantly changing and adapting species, views shift among
people of different age, gender, and beliefs as they play a role in determining the
outcome of such questionable subjects. Regardless, its current progress has, and
continues, to be positively beneficial for those who now appreciate lifes
blessings with prolonged lives and alleviated discomforts.
References
3-Deazaneplanocin A. (2016). Wikipedia. Retrieved 26 May 2016, from
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Cyranoski, D. (2013). Stem cells reprogrammed using chemicals alone. Nature
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http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2007/03/stem-cells-through-areligious-lens/
Stem Cell FAQ. Isscr.org. Retrieved 21 May 2016, from
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Types of stem cells and their current uses. (2012). EuroStemCell. Retrieved 20
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What are the potential applications of stem cell research?. (2009). EuroStemCell.
Retrieved 20 May 2016, from http://www.eurostemcell.org/faq/what-arepotential-applications-stem-cell-research