Arguments over the ethics of stem cell research have divided scientists, religious groups, and politicians for years. Stem cell research is of two forms; embryonic stem cell and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells have led to promising developments in the cure to a myriad of medical conditions. Stems cell also has other potential benefits. However, the process involves the creation and destruction of embryos. Thus, not all are supportive of stem cell research, and this has led to controversies all over the world. This paper aims to investigate the views held in stem cell research. The paper will provide background to the debate and outline the pros and cons of stem cell research. The report will also give my views on the issue.
The Issue and Background to the Topic
There are promising developments in stem cell research, and this has led to scientists and politicians favor it as they are optimistic about the continued developments in stem cell research. The scientists are confident that stem cell research will lead to discoveries in biomedical science. However, there are ethical issues related to this topic, and this has led to debates all over the world. Stem cells are of two type embryonic and adult stem cells. “ Embryonic stem cells can become all cell types of the body because they are pluripotent while adult stem cells are generally limited to differentiating into different cell types of their tissue of origin” (Stem Cells Portal, 2009). Despite the reports that stem cells can’t grow into complete organisms, the debates over the ethics of the issue discussed in this paper began in 1999. Governments started to draft proposals and guidelines on the subject in 2000-2001 to reach universal policies in stem cell research and the handling of embryonic tissues. The debate over the ethics of stem cells continued for decades. Thus, we ought not to overstate the pros and cons of stem cell research regardless of the debate on stem cells seeming endless.
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Pros and Cons of Stem Cells
Pros
There are numerous benefits of stem cell research in the field of therapeutic cloning and regenerative medicine (Dearden, 2013). The motivation of stem cell research is primarily due to its potential in finding treatments and cure for various medical issues. The pros are as stated below;
Some diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and cancer can be treated with stem cells by replacing diseased or damaged tissues. This also includes replacing entire organs that need to be replaced and neurons that might affect neurological diseases (Lombardo, 2015).
By studying stem cells, there is great potential for scientists to learn more about cell development and human growth. For instance, experts can explore how to prevent or treat related diseases by examining the way stem cells grow into specific types of cells (Lombardo, 2015).
Embryonic treatment is one of the potential areas. Many potential issues or congenital disabilities begin in this stage of pregnancy. Thus, by studying embryonic stem cells, scientists can understand better the way embryos develop as well as develop treatments that can identify and address the issues or congenital disabilities.
Since the cells can replicate fast, a small number of cells can grow into a large number to be studied or used in treatment.
Cons
Like any form of research, stem cell research also poses numerous problems. However, most of the oppositions to stem cell research is philosophical and theological. The questions tend to focus mainly on whether the issue is ethical and whether we should be taking science this far. The cons are as stated below;
Stem cells can’t be obtained easily. They also require some months to grow before they can be used once they are harvested from an embryo. It can be painful to get adult stem cells, like obtaining stem cells from the bone marrow.
Still, stem cell treatments are unproven and have high rejection rates (Dearden, 2013).
The costs are also very high for many patients, with a single treatment costing thousands of dollars.
The use of embryonic stem cells involves the destruction of blastocysts, which is a human life for those who believe life starts at conception (Rebecca, 2013). Blastocysts are formed from laboratory-fertilized eggs. Thus, destroying blastocysts is unacceptable and immoral.
A similar theological problem is an idea of developing or creating a living tissue in a laboratory. This is a theological problem as it signifies that people are taking the role of God. This argument also holds when it comes to the issues of human cloning. For those who believe the creation of people is only the work of God, the view of people creating people is troublesome.
The potential for stem cell regenerative medicine and therapeutics to treat or prevent diseases signify an enormous economic opportunity. However, a stem cell has a lot of controversies because of the ethical implication harvesting stem cells from human embryos. Most of the debates raised lacked sound ethical or scientific arguments. I agree with the use of stem cells. This is because they can save lives and restore happiness as well as dignity to patients as a result of the possibility curing debilitating illnesses caused by abnormalities or organ failure. For the immediate future, the benefits of stem cell research appear to be out of reach. However, with continued research, a stem cell can become a conventional treatment for degenerative diseases (Holland, Lebacqz, & Zoloth, 2001). Thus, the scientists must co-operate and share resources to ensure that this field becomes successful. I expect stem cell research to evolve quickly in the next decades with increases in funding as well as continued interest from governments and private investors.
References
Dearden, E. (2013). Stem Cell Research-Advantages and Disadvantages. [Online]. Available at: https://getrevising.co.uk/grids/stem_cell_research_advantages_and_disadvantages . Accessed 3rd Dec 2018.
Holland, S., Lebacqz, K., & Zoloth, L. (2001). The Human Embryonic Stem Cell Debate: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy. [Online]. Available at: https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=R1wV2pNTRfwC&printsec=frontcover&dq=debate+on+pros+and+cons+of+stem+cells+pdf&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjyhPnr1IPfAhVFAsAKHWXVCgIQ6AEIKDAA#v=onepage&q&f=false . Accessed 3rd Dec 2018.
Lombardo, C. (2015). 14 Key Pros and Cons of Embryonic Stem Cell Research. [Online]. Available at: https://greengarageblog.org/14-key-pros-and-cons-of-embryonic-stem-cell-research . Accessed 3rd Dec 2018.
Rebecca. (2013). Defining a Life: The Ethical Questions of Embryonic Stem Cell Research (Revised). [Online]. Available at: https://my.vanderbilt.edu/almosthuman/2013/04/defining-a-life-the-ethical-questions-of-embryonic-stem-cell-research/ . Accessed 3rd Dec 2018.
Stem Cells Portal. (2009). What are the Similarities and Differences between Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells? [Online]. Available at: https://www.stemcellsportal.com/content/what-are-similarities-and-differences-between-embryonic-and-adult-stem-cells . Accessed 3rd Dec 2018.
