Concern Related to Embryonic Stem Cell Technology - Research Paper Example

Introduction Embryonic stem cell technology is developing rapidly at present because of the huge developments in genetic engineering. Many of the genetic diseases and other chronic diseases can be treated effectively with the help of embryonic cells. Starr et al (2010) pointed out that “Stem cells are self-renewing in nature” (Starr et al., p.449). In other words, patients who are suffering from cell damages or malfunctioning of cells can be treated with the help of stem cells. Stem cells are usually classified into two broad categories; embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.

Even though adult stem cell related technologies are developing fewer controversies, embryonic stem cell related technologies are generating huge controversies. As the name indicates, embryonic stem cells are collected from embryos. It forms soon after fertilization whereas adult stem cells form during adulthood. It is evident that embryos which undergo stem cell collection may not survive. The logic of saving the life of a person by destroying the life of an embryo is often questioned by religious leaders and sociologists.

In their opinion, there is no point in saving a life at the expense of another life. On the other hand supporters of embryonic stem cell technology are of the view that human life is more important than an embryo’s life. . Embryonic stem cells have the ability to replicate indefinitely and it can help the formation of all adult cell types. It should be noted that adult stem cells do not possess such abilities. Under such circumstances, embryonic stem cells are extremely useful in the treatment of many of the genetic diseases and other chronic diseases which cause cell destruction.

Starr et al pointed out that “embryonic stem cells could be used to provide new nerve cells” (Starr et al., p.449). Many of the adult population are currently suffering from nerve problems such as Parkinson disease, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, dimenisia Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS etc. All these diseases are extremely difficult to treat with ordinary medicines. No medicines are capable of regenerating cells. Stem cells are useful and perhaps the only option in the treatment of above diseases.

For example, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS is a disease which affects nerve cells in brain and spinal cord. ALS prevents people from free moving because of the inability of muscles in receiving instructions from brain as a result of the damaged nerve cells. “Even though genetic defects were reported in some cases, the exact reasons for ALS are still unknown in majority of the cases”(Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers' is caused by problems in cortical neurons whereas in dementia, Lewy bodies, or frontotemporal lobar degeneration is causing the disease.

Parkinson disease is caused by dopaminergic neurons whereas upper and lower motor neurons cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (Inou, p.2560). Choia et al (2010) mentioned that “As a rare and fatal