Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research

Jonique Johnson

Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research has been the topic of many debates in recent years. The recent elections have once again brought stem cell research to the forefront of debates. Some people believe that stem cell research is unethical because the process destroys an embryo. Embryos that have fewer cells than a fly's brain (Harris, S) . Although disputed by many religious groups stem cell research could promise amazing results. Recent studies have already showed promising results.

Stem cells research has quickly become the topic of much debate over the last five years. Recently it was even the determining factor in one state's elections. Stem cell research is extremely important to the future of medical research and will affect thousands of lives, but many people do not even understand what stem cell research is. Stem cells are located in an embryo's inner cell mass. Stem cells located in a three to five day old embryo, called a blasocyst, give rise to many specialized cells that make of the heart, lung, and skin. In adult tissues these cells can create replacenments for cells lost because of injury or disease. These cells have the potential to develop into any tissue in the body. For example, research has shown that bone marrow stem cells can be transplanted into a damaged heart to regenerate healthy heart cells. There is also evidence that stem cells may be "instructed" to produce insulin which would provide a lasting solution for diabetics (National Institute of Health). No other cell can perform the same functions as stem cells. Other cells in the body have specific functions and they do not replicate. Stem cells are different form other cells because they have a special signal that other cells do not. These signals are produced by the cell's genes, which are located on the cells DNA. The genes act as a messenger and carry specific instructions about the cells function. Scientists are studying how these genes differ on each stem cell and if the "signal" can be altered. By studying this, the scientists are learning how to control the cells signals. If scientists can learn how to control the stem cells, they may be able to instruct stem cells to replicate any cell in the body. This could lead to cures for numerous diseases. If stem cell research is discontinued, people may never see the how stem cells may benefit society.

People opposing stem cell research use morality as the backbone of their argument but this has no merit. One destroyed embryo could mean thousands of saved lives. These embryos are not yet a fetus and have no brain therefore they are not human life according to law. Embryos used are not developed enough to feel pain. The embryos used would die or be destroyed eventually. How is it moral to allow people with Parkinson's disease continue to suffer if there is a chance that they may be cured by these embryos? People act as if scientists are stealing the embryos from a pregnant woman. In the article "Embryonic Stem Cell Research Is Not