Benefits of Stem Cell Research - Essay Example

Benefits of Stem Cell Research The controversial debate on how to fund and control stem cell research is not about to end anytime soon. What is unknown to many people is that for a long time doctors have been carrying out transplants on stem cells without arousing any controversy. However, when doctors began removing stem cells from embryos, some people got the feeling that this was unethical while others were excited about the whole thing. The excitement with this development was that doctors had come up with an ideal way to treat various human diseases while the controversy was based on the ethical implications of destroying human embryos in the name of cure. This gave rise to debate by political leaders on the necessary steps and regulations that were supposed to be followed in funding stem cells research (Park & Borlongan 209). This paper gives the progression of events in as far as stem cell research is concerned and then outlines the possible benefits of supporting the research on stem cell in America and other parts of the world. The Stem Cell Debate Naturally, the idea of obliterating an embryo just to extract a few samples for research might be perceived as ethically wrong despite the age of the embryo involved. Despite this fact, the idea of discontinuing funding on stem cells research based on ethical considerations is not only wrong but lacks basis as well. Without any doubt, continuing research on stem cells will help in establishing the most suitable stem cell that is required for cell replacement therapies. In addition to this, scientists have now come up with a new method of getting the cell by way of pruripotent stem (iPS) in place of human embryonic stem (hES). Despite the fact that scientists will have to use hES from time to time, the fact that they are trying to come up with alternatives should be construed to mean that they are ready to come up with a method that will falsify all the interested parties. Before this method is operational, it would be illogical to stop research on stem cells since the living individuals that have been helped by this technology cannot be compared to the unborn embryos that are destroyed (Obakata). Over the years, the federal government has voiced its interest and has been caught in the middle of the stem cell debate. The incessant calls by human rights activists saw President George Bush discontinue government’s funding on stem cells research. When President Obama came into power, the first thing that he did was to sign an executive order that removed all the existing barriers that were responsible for scientific research involving stem cells. This executive order nullified the earlier presidential order signed by President Bush which had discontinued federal funding for embryonic stem cell research (Obama). Today, donated organs and tissues are mostly use to restore ailing or damaged tissue, but the demand for graftable is way above the presented supply. In essence, stem cells present doctors with an alternative method of replacement cells and tissues. In order to attain the utmost prospective for stem cells based therapies, scientists must be able to comprehend and control stem cells for thriving alteration, transplantation and engraftment. Even as scientists continue to break new ground as far as stem cells research is concerned, some people have been wondering why President Obama lifted his predecessor’s ban on stem cells funding while it is still considered morally wrong by some people. Despite these misgivings, it would be inappropriate to stop funding on stem cells since it will most likely revolutionize the health sector. Largely, America has received recognition internationally due to its contributions in technological advancement and discontinuing funding would mean being bypassed by other nations that continue funding such research (Obama). Although the people who claim that stem cells research is not justified might be having a valid point, the truth is that if this research is controlled, the work that scientists have already done will be jeopardized. Currently, there are numerous studies that are geared towards finding cures for most of the existing chronic diseases and disrupting these studies will most likely bring negative effects and even possibly jeopardize the outcome of the entire research. Today, if America decides to stop research on stem cells, this will literally be cutting the hope of numerous patients who are earnestly waiting to see what the outcome of these studies will be. Although people might not necessarily come out into the open to back such researches, the truth is that they support the research and this is in itself a moral reason to further studies in this area. The big problem in this area is that those of human rights activists who make the most noise concerning this matter have drowned the voices of the majority. What is sad is that most activists do not mind if millions of people die from chronic diseases but they seem to be concerned about the destruction of a few human embryos (Hug). Perhaps what majority of the people do not realize is that nearly all the developing world relies on advancements made in America to aid the people in their own countries. If we as a nation decide to discontinue research in this particular field of study for any reason, we will have literally cut the hope of billions of people who are looking up to America for their cure. Ideally, these people might not even know what stem cell research is but the fact remains that all their hope is pegged in this technology. When President Bush stopped funding on stem cell research, so many such projects were discontinued because no single individual or even an organization can carry out a successful research without the government’s help due to the associated costs. Now that president Obama has rescinded this decision, it is important for us as a nation to start thinking more of the numerous lives that we can save through stem cell research. Naturally, the possibilities on stem cell cures are endless and doing anything to curtail advancement in this field will be morally wrong. Ideally, an innovation requires some sacrifices and in this case, the sacrifice is the embryos that have to be destroyed as the research on stem cells continues. At the end of the day, the fact remains that we as a nation have a bigger duty to the living than to the unborn and that is why we cannot afford to continue the ethical debate on stem cells (Obama). Possible Benefits of Stem Cell Research The issue of stem cell research is one of the few matters that have generated much speculation and debate both in the political and social arena in America. With the government having the prerogative of deciding whether the stem cell research is to continue or not, it is critical for such a government to realize that although allowing such research to go on might upset the people who are against it, it has the potential of saving numerous lives. The passage of every few years brings along advancements in certain scientific fields that become crucial in the health sector. The stem cell is one such technology. As outlined earlier, while biologists have been privy to the existence of stem cells for many years, the recent research into their ability now presents untold medical advantages. In reality, stem cells are considered and valued in the medical field to be the foremost of all adult cells. From the preliminary stages, the embryo cells begin to distinguish into more advanced tissues. Their manner of developing new tissues and organs brings amazing prospects. If they are harnessed at an early stage, embryonic cells have the potential of developing into one of the 216 cell types that form an adult person (Nisbet 131). In their later stage of development, any harvested stem cells are usually much limited. Over the years, biologists have proved that primordial blood cells that have been obtained from adults are capable of curing certain blood disorders. There is also the likelihood that stem cells obtained from the blood are capable of being transformed into other cell types such as heart cells. This research has been collaborated by numerous researchers in the last few years (Park). The reason why stem cells transform into a certain type is not yet known. Scientists are still in the process of unravelling this mystery but this should not be a valid reason for stopping the research on stem cell. Even as scientists are trying to look for the possible reasons why stem cells from adults transform into particular types, a shortcut is available that can produce the expected results. The shortcut that is commonly known as therapeutic cloning involves transplanting the nucleus from a separated cell of an adult into one of the primordial cells. In this way, this is capable of producing cells of the desired type. The advantage with this type is that it is immunologically compatible and there would be limited chances of the tissue being rejected by the patient’s body. In the last few years, there have been numerous success stories of using cells that have been derived from young embryos to develop new human tissues artificially. Despite the ethical considerations surrounding this practice, the procedure has been used successfully in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (Weintraub). Given the numerous benefits that have been experienced in the use of stem cell even in the midst of opposition, it is obvious that this technology can be used to repair numerous damaged organs if further research is encouraged. Biologists have largely argued that stem cells have the potential to be beneficial in the treatment of heart disease through the injection of the cells into the heart muscle. Given that heart related deaths are constantly on the rise, it is only logical that this kind of technology should be given room to blossom. Apart from treating strokes, stem cells can be used effectively in the treatment of the spinal cord in paraplegics. Scientists have also indicated that stem cells can be used effectively to regrow insulin among diabetes patients. Given that diabetes of the leading causes of death among Americans, it is therefore critical to continue encouraging research on this field (Caulfield 82). Despite the overwhelming evidence that is available on the importance of stem cells, it is surprising to note that most people still object to the research on this field. This has led most scientists to revert to the use of testicular tissues that are obtained from adults. This is because people are not worried too much about the ethics of using tissue from cancer patients. However, the problem with pushing scientists to this extreme is that such tissues might not be ideal for use in human beings and might actually transmit diseases that were originally in the testicular cells (Caulfield 84). It is actually surprising that scientists have to use cells from such unlikely quarters while there are numerous alternative cells that could be utilized. Every day, numerous embryos are lost naturally or by the use of family planning pills. Medical procedures such as IVF produce extra embryos that are literally thrown to waste. It is very likely that any individual who is infertile would object to the idea of being asked to donate their embryos for research. However, there is so much debate on this procedure and such a prospect is still illegal in America. It is painful to recognize that the reason for such a rejection is because of some obscure legislation that were passed by individuals that did not recognize the importance of science in saving lives (Hyun & Jung 34). Although stem cell research is capable of being used as cure for various types of diseases, the biggest benefit is in the treatment of nervous system disorders. Since neurogenesis is not common especially in the adult CNS and neurons do not renew, their loss, through any means is permanent. The possibility of utilizing neurons as a replacement for the neurons that are lost through illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) among other is an amazing prospect. This approach is most applicable in the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson’s where certain known neurons in the brain are lost and can be replaced through stem cell transplants. Apart from Parkinson’s disease, stem cell is often being seen as a possible cure for nearly all diseases affecting the nervous system (Hyun & Jung 36). Despite the obvious benefits of stem cell, research on this area is hindered by the lack of government funding. This has been due to the numerous ethical debates surrounding the issue of stem cell something that has caused the federal government to shy away from releasing funds for this particular research. Without federal funding, it is hard for scientists to come up with any meaningful research since research is expensive and it requires the government’s support in its various areas of development. Even in instances where the scientists have been willing to fund their own research, they have been receiving numerous obstacles from individuals who have been instituting lawsuits against them. Although most of them have been rejected by the courts, this slows the research into stem cell research and as a result prevents numerous people who might have benefited from this technology an opportunity for treatment. Although the government might not be willing to commit funds towards stem cell research, there is need for other entities to raise private capital for ensuring that research on this area is not stalled. If the organizations that have made some headway in this area become transparent and share their findings with others in a transparent manner, an opportunity will have been created for the government to come up and start funding stem cell research on a large-scale level. Given the fact that stem cell research has continued to flourish even in the midst of controversial debates regarding ethics, this field would receive a big boost if the government came in to fully to fund this research (Hyun & Jung 40). As pointed out earlier, most countries have been undertaking research in the area of stem cell to look for possible ways of finding cure for some of the diseases that ail humanity. For a long time, America has been used by other nations as the pace setter in as far as technological advancements are concerned. This means that most of the technological advancement in the area of science that are being used in other parts of the world had their genesis in America. Such sciences have been used successfully especially in times of war as well as to bring relief to the third world countries that rely on America for nearly everything. In the area of stem cell research however, the country has been reluctant in focusing its attention towards this area and this has led to untold suffering among people in developing nations. In frustration, these people have instead focused their attention on other nations that are keen on carrying out research on the area of stem cell. The biggest problem with this is that the United States might lose its traditional position of being a world leader in nearly everything. This is dangerous considering that the nation is already facing numerous competitions from other emerging economies such as China and Russia. Although these two nations are not experts in the area of scientific research, there are indications that their governments are open to the idea of funding stem cell research (Hug). Although it would be disastrous to ignore the ethical debate that has been raging regarding stem cell research, it would be unwise for the government to take a passive stance on this matter, as is currently the case. Even as the scientists try to come up with more acceptable methods of extracting the stem cells, it is imperative that the government continues to fund them since this will enable them to come up with even better ways of doing so. The focus should now be turned from the embryos that are being destroyed in extracting the stem cells to the numerous lives that this technology is able to save once it is adopted (Hug). Conclusion The debate on stem cell cures has been around for quite a long time. The biggest concern among many people has not been on the numerous cures that have come from this technology but rather on the continued funding of this research. Some people have raised questions about the continual funding of a project that promotes the destruction of embryos to obtain cure for some ailments. However, the truth is that the benefits that this research brings to human life cannot be equated to the few embryos that are destroyed in the process. Works Cited Byrne John, et al. Producing primate embryonic stem cells by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Nature. 450 (7169), 2013: 497–502. Print. Caulfield, Timothy, et al. The stem cell research environment: a patchwork of patchworks. Stem Cell Rev Rep 5(2), 2013: 82–88. Print. Hug, Keith. Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Ethical Dilemma. eurostemcell. Web. 2013. 05 March 2014 Hyun, Insoo, & Jung, Kyu. Human research cloning, embryos, and embryo-like artifacts. Hastings Cent Rep36 (5), 2013:34–41. Print. Nisbet, Mathew. Public opinion about stem cell research and human cloning. Public Opin Q 68(1), 2011:131–154. Obakata, Haruko. Breakthrough: Scientists Create Embryonic Stem Cells Without Embryos. Medical News Today 14 Jan 2014. Obama, Barack. Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem. 2009. Web. 05 March 2014 Park, Alice. Growing your own tissue: Just add stress and stir. Time Magazine Jan 29, 2014. Park, Daniel & Borlongan, Claude. The Emerging Field of Cell and Tissue Engineering. Medical Science Monitor: International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research. Nov; 14(11), 2012: 206-220. Weintraub, Karen. Researchers turn adult cells back into stem cells. USA Today, Jan 29 2014. Read More