Ethical Issues with Stem Cell Research - Assignment Example

Argumentative paper: Ethical Issues with Stem Cell Research Introduction Research Background Many if not fewpeople undergo organ transplants due to possible organ failure or various ailments that may affect the organs. The research into stem cells has given people hope since cures can be created with stem cells (Badge). Stem cells are building blocks of life. The uniqueness of these cells is that they have the most amazing capabilities and qualities. They offer the greatest potential to treat degenerative conditions that affect us all. Examples of these conditions are Stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Heart disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease among others (UK Stem Cell Foundation). The two basic types of stem cells are Adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells. They are typically found in the fetus, early embryo, placenta, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord blood (National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia 1-2). Problem Statement Stem cell research is a major development in the health industry although there are many ethical issues that it faces currently. Aim The aim of this proposal is to analyze the Ethics and Law of Stem Cell Research, especially in the methods how human tissue is donated because some of the methods used undermine human ethical standards (National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia). Objectives of the Research The following are the objectives of this research proposal: To understand the regulation of stem cell research in sample regions Find out the different ways stem cell research is contributing to the medical industry Look for the alternatives to stem cell research if there exist any Study the different methods in which the stem cells are donated and reviewed, the ethical standards of the practice Significance of the Research The following are the benefits that the project will have: Better awareness of the stem cell research and the ways it contributes to a better life Identify the different alternatives that can replace stem cell research Draw outcomes from existing stem cell research experiments and how they have affected the world at large Understand the "controversies over embryo research and distinctions between intrinsic and symbolic moral status to analyze these issues" () Situational Analysis There is an increasing demand by researchers seeking eggs from young women to be used for embryonic cloning procedures. This harvesting involves administration of drugs that have not been approved for that purpose (Dianne Beeson 1-3). These drugs could pose serious harm to the women that participate in this exercise both long term and short term effects. The widespread practice exposes women to risks that are ethically unacceptable and have to be addressed. Another interesting issue to note is that the egg harvesting takes place in a research climate marked by conflict of interests. This kind of experiments has prompted the research I intend to carry out on stem cell research. The kinds of practices used in stem cell research have prompted the concern of human rights activists all over the world in pursuit of this research, how it adversely affects the stakeholders in it. The risk at which these researchers put the women through must be weighed against potential benefits. Method This will be a qualitative research design that will utilize both primary and ancillary data. The resultant data will be carried out through a desk research and library session. From the desk research, there will be a thorough analysis of online information such as online journals, medical websites, and online eBooks. Further research will be carried out through a library session where peer reviewed journal articles, periodicals, and books will be used to gather data on the issue at hand, ethical issues with stem cell research. All the information found will be noted down and taken to a central place to await analysis. Filing will be necessary to avoid loss of data or damage. The next step will be to collect primary data. In collecting primary data, the research will utilize interviews, questionnaires, and focus groups. Interviews To gather an exhaustive research there will be a need to gather first-information and the best way to ensure there is first-hand information for a research is to conduct interviews. The interviews will be conducted on twenty medical professions comprising of physicians and nurses. To ensure a balanced set of data other interviews will also be carried out on twenty civilians who will include patients and ordinary people on the street and social places such as clubs and restaurants. The interviews will be probing mostly on the ethical issues that people believe in when it comes to stem cell research. The questions will also probe on peoples’ beliefs and factors that influence their views in that direction. Questionnaires The questionnaires will contain open-ended questions so that people will be able to explain their decisions, views, and choices. The questionnaires will be distributed by hand to hospitals and by mail to 100 random email addresses from the school database. The feedback for the mail distribution is estimated at 20 percent. The questions will be similar to those used in the interview, however on the questionnaire individuals will be limited to give precise points according to the subject. Focus groups The main focus group that will be used in the research is the staff that is working at stem cell research facilities. When visiting the stem cell research facility the staff at the facility will be treated as a focus group and an interview will be conducted where the data collected will be recorded and utilized in the research Detailed Plan PHASES OF THE PROJECT (DATE) ACTIVITIES OUTPUT / TARGET INDICATORS PERSON IN CHARGE RESOURCES NEEDED COST 1/5/2013 Visiting stem cell research facilities Get information about the activities In the stem cell research facilities Dean Pens, writing material, 1 iPad $400 3/5/2013 Compiling of information for analysis purposes Analysis purposes [Carroll] MS software for comparison $100 4/5/2013 Carrying out primary research that will involve interviews and distribution of questionnaires To hand a set of comprehensive un-biased first-hand information [Lee] Questionnaires, interview questions and notepads $400 6/5/2013 Further research using other media such as internet Comparison with first-hand information for authenticity [Don] Pens, writing material $70 10/5/2013 Final comparison of the gathered data to come up with the report Draft report [Brian] Refreshment 50$ Cost-Benefit Analysis The research is estimated to cost around $1,020. This amount will be used in portions for each process of the study. Materials to be used together with travelling expenses when going to the stem cell research facility is estimated at $400. A group of ten students involved in the research will use this amount; the dean will be in charge for the group throughout the whole trip. An additional $400 will be used for collecting primary data. The costs involved will be cost of materials, refreshments for the research team and travelling expenses. Getting statistics, professions to analyze the data and buying the required statistical tools cost $100. A further $70 will be assigned to the secondary data collection process and an estimated $50 extra for the final comparison and reviewing of the report. Conclusion The information gathered from this research shall be able to provide relevant information regarding stem cell research, whether it is a good initiative for the future. Despite the strong views across different cultural groups of people, research in stem cells has brought about a lot of positive feedback in the medical field. This research, therefore tries to analyze what, and why people view stem cell studies to be an ethical issue. The result of the research can also be used to educate the society on the positive side of stem cell research. Annotated Bibliography Badge, Robin-Levell. "The future for stem cell research." The future for stem cell research (2001): 88-89. Document. This author explains the ethical debates that biologists have regarding stem cell research. This article shows how scientists discern the meaning of the stem cell. This issue about the harvesting of embryonic stem cells has generated heated debated among researchers and other stakeholders. This article also shows the importance of stem cell research, especially the environment in which the stem cells are found contribute to self-renewal and differentiation Dianne Beeson, Abby Lippman. "Egg Harvesting for Stem Cell Research:Medical Risks and Ethical problems." Egg Harvesting for Stem Cell Research:Medical Risks and Ethical problems (2006): 1-3. Document. This article indicates the special interest that human rights activists have on the adverse effects the stem cell research has on women's health and experimental cloning research. The author discusses whether the weight of the potential benefits that this research has being equivalent to its ultimate clinical value. As discussed, the increase in egg collection practices is not safe and those carried out in private facilities do not meet independent oversight. National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia. "National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia." July 2010. National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia. Document. 15 April 2013. The author elaborates the ethics and legislation of policies that govern the stem cell research. This article however uses the legislation in Australia which establishes rights for participants and ethical oversight if the use of human tissues in research. All researchers and institutions that carry out stem cell research are bound by these laws. —. "What are stem cells?" FactSheet1 (2010): 1-2. Document. This article explains the different types of stem cells that exist and where they are found in the body. Another interesting fact is that all specialized cells originate from the stem cells. There is also the explanation of process called specialization known as differentiation and once a differentiation pathway has been created, it can no longer become another type of cell. UK Stem Cell Foundation. UK Stem Cell Foundation. 2011. website. 14 April 2013. The UK Stem Cell Foundation speeds up the progress of promising stem cell research and research into therapies and treatment for patients. The article indicates the different diseases that stem cell research can cure. Some of the diseases that they are involved with is spinal cord repair, heart disease, liver disease, hip revision surgery, Bone and cartilage repair among others. References Badge, Robin-Levell. "The future for stem cell research." The future for stem cell research (2001): 88-89. Document. Dianne Beeson, Abby Lippman. "Egg Harvesting for Stem Cell Research:Medical Risks and Ethical problems." Egg Harvesting for Stem Cell Research:Medical Risks and Ethical problems (2006): 1-3. Document. National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia. "National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia." July 2010. National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia. Document. 15 April 2013. —. "What are stem cells?" FactSheet1 (2010): 1-2. Document. UK Stem Cell Foundation. 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