Introduction
Stem cell research has captured the attention of scientists, doctors, patients, politician, and the public at large. Today, stem cell is expected to solve thousands of medical problems present and in the future. Research in stem cell is at rising as expertise intensify their studies on how various body cells can be used to cure body organs. Stem cells can replace cells and regenerate tissues affected by diseases or trauma. Stem cell research gives hope to millions of people worldwide, especially those with brain problem, diabetes, cancer, or spinal cord injuries ( Zakrzewski, Dobrzyński, Szymonowicz & Rybak, 2019) . A stem cell is an immature cell taken immediately after conception and used to repair damaged body organs based on its ability to renew themselves. The continuous improvement in the medical field brings the need to research on health benefits of stem cell research and ethical issues arising from the research.
Despite the numerous advantage associated with stem cell research, the public and politicians hold opposing views on the issue. In The US, the legality of stem cell research has been in question for several decades beginning from 2001 when President Bush announced a new policy of controversy in stem cell. Since 1988, the US has been leading in stem cell research which has brought significant improvement in the field of medicine (Stadelmann & Torgler, 2017). The article shows the debate surrounding the controversial issue of stem cell research. According to the report, opponents of stem cell research base their arguments on the bible where scientists play the role of God, which is unethical. The proponents support stem cell research based on numerous successful therapies of stem cell in curing diseases like cancer.
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Another research conducted by Zakrzewski et al. (2019), shows numerous health challenges that stem cell research has overcome. Discovery of multiple stem cell therapies has improved modern medicine by bringing hope for untreatable diseases like cancer of the brain. Most therapeutic drugs develop from a stem cell. According to Zakrzewski et al. (2019), stem cell in medicines is used as an alternative for arthroplasty. Other therapies include rejuvenation to reverse aging, cell-based medicine to cure stroke, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Stem cell research is changing the field of medicine magnificently by providing solutions to most health issues.
Paul Knoepfler, a professor of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy at UC Davis School of Medicine, explains the effectiveness of stem cell in treatment during an interview. According to Knoepfler (2018), stem cells have proven effective in curing cancer, especially brain tumor for children. Today, research focuses on identifying various stem cells through the support of the government, funders, and biotech companies. Despite numerous successful treatments, stem cell and regenerative medicine ecosystem have become complicated. More stem cell-therapies and clinics are introduced in the US to make treatment success and reduce ecosystem problems.
The article published in Washington post examines the ethical dilemmas resulting from stem cell research. According to the Washingtonpost (2014), the positive benefit of stem cell research in medicine outweigh the ethical issues raised. Despite many advantages arising from stem cell research treatment, stem cell raises ethical issues on the harvesting of these cells. The process involves the creation of an embryonic human being and killing the same through harvesting the cell. The opponents of the study view the process similar to murdering an innocent creature. The question remains whether a seven-year-old embryo can be classified as a human being.
According to Mehta (2014), embryonic stem cell-derived from early mammalian embryo has proven successful in the treatment of major diseases. Stem cell research has provided therapy for diseases like Parkinson's disease and juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus, which arise from the failure of a single cell. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) differentiates into cardiomyocytes and other cells. The usefulness of stem cell rises from their unlimited expansion ability and unrestricted plasticity. According to Mehta (2014), an embryonic stem cell has proved useful in transplantation and regenerative medicines which has cured numerous diseases. A spare embryo might be acquired through overstimulation of the woman. Also, the article raises the issue of morality based on getting an embryo from couples who are unable to cryopreserve for financial constraint.
Generally, stem cell research has improved the field of medicine by coming up with therapies for diseases. The use of stem cell in curing disease is a controversial topic that has raised ethical issues in society. The stem cells that brings the controversial issue and moral debates include blastocysts taken from a five to seven days embryo and embryonic germ cell taken from an aborted fetus.
References
washingtonpost. (2014). In stem-cell research, the potential health benefits outweigh the ethical risks. Retrieved 23 September 2019, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/in-stem-cell-research-the-potential-health-benefits-outweigh-the-ethical-risks/2014/04/20/dabdc824-c73c-11e3-8b9a-8e0977a24aeb_story.html l
Knoepfler, P. (2018). Paul Knoepfler: Mapping the Stem Cell Ecosystem. Retrieved 23 September 2019, from https://www.regmednet.com/users/3641-regmednet/posts/41639-mapping-the-stem-cell-ecosystem-an-interview-with-paul-knoepfler
Mehta, R. H. (2014). Sourcing human embryos for embryonic stem cell lines: Problems & perspectives. The Indian journal of medical research , 140 (Suppl 1), S106.
Stadelmann, D., & Torgler, B. (2017). Voting on embryonic stem cell research: Citizens more supportive than politicians. PloS one , 12 (1), e0170656.
Zakrzewski, W., Dobrzyński, M., Szymonowicz, M., & Rybak, Z. (2019). Stem cells: past, present, and future. Stem cell research & therapy , 10 (1), 68.
