The Boon of Stem Cell Donation - Term Paper Example

?The Boon of Stem Cell Donation I. Introduction For ages, humankind was beset by a number of diseases and illnesses that seemed to be the primary reason for difficulty and death. It was thought then that no solution will ever come as lifetime meant constant struggling and suffering. Until finally, a ‘manna from heaven’ arrived and proved to be a powerful solution: stem cell. This discovery was not only a medical breakthrough, but it is also considered as a miracle for all generations and civilizations. So everything went back to the cell. As the basic unit of life, the cell became the determinant for the cause of several serious medical conditions, such as heart failures, birth defects and all types of cancer. An understanding of the process of cell development allowed medical scientists to assess a particular health condition and to boost the recovery of the person who has it. For the purposes of research and treatment, stem cell donation and banking emerged to become the hottest trend in the medical world, though a number of objections were raised especially by those from the church and other moralists. Stem Cell 101 As opposed to the other human and animal types of cell, stem cells are those that “carry the potential to develop into some or many different cell types in the body” (National Institutes of Health, 2010). A simpler and more direct approach is to state that stem cells are cells that renew on its own. They self-generate. As the human body’s repair and rejuvenating mechanism, stem cells have the ability to “divide endlessly and replenish other cells of the living person, and their product could either maintain a form of a stem cell or become another functional cell in the form of a muscle, brain or red blood cell” (National Institutes of Health, 2010). Some scientists, in fact, see the stem cell as the 'bright future of medicine' and the 'source of the elixir of life.' In treating diseases, stem cells can also be used to generate new genes from the damaged ones to give them healing properties. They are studied in laboratories in order to be engineered for use in tissue and organ transplantation. Accordingly, the fundamental sources of the stem cell are the embryo, bone marrow, brain, blood and cord blood. Presently, there are other scientific inquiries conducted by the field experts to determine which other parts of the human body could be possible sources of such a ‘natural treasure.’ The positive outcome of these explorations shall be one of the most-awaited advancements in modern science and will be considered another quantum leap for humanity. Donation and Transplant It is with this potency and promise of the stem cell that health experts dedicated much of their time researching about this subject. Already, there have been a number of medical investigations that confirmed the multi-faceted functions of the stem cell and that indicated the need for a wider exploration on the matter, including its transplantation. Due to the fact that donated tissues and organs used to replace those that are infected or damaged are easily exhausted, an increased demand for stem cell donation was observed. Medical practitioners, consequently, encourage people to donate a part of themselves in the form of the stem cell to help those who badly need treatment for diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer, spinal cord injury, burns, arthritis and cardiac malfunction, among others. To respond to the need, nevertheless, some hospitals and clinical specialists would immediately offer mothers who have just given birth if they are amenable to donate the placentas and umbilical cords of the newborn. However, the decision remains in the mother and a written consent should be executed first. In addition, private businesses emanated to cater to the desire of families who want to preserve the umbilical cord of their newborn for any future use through sophisticated storage facilities. This goes with a substantial payment, though, required from the customers. But for healthcare institutions that accept stem cell donations, all of the fees entailed in the procedure shall only be shouldered by the requesting party. Problem is, it is hardly easy for families to scout for the qualified donors. II. Discussion/ Analysis Although there is a considerable part of the global population that raises strong objections against stem cell technology based on ethical and moral grounds, there were still many who believe in its positive impact and noble aim. Most of these people are optimistic about the value that the stem cell can render their lives, while others already donated stem cells in the hope of helping fellowmen. Research also proved many a valid reason to justify the significance of the stem cell. An Inspiring Story In 2010, a heart-rending moment happened between American university athlete Rowan Hoffman, 21 and laborer Warren Sallach, 59 when they finally met. “A non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patient, Sallach received Hoffman’s stem cell to help treat the disease” (Himmelsbach, 2010). Hoffman, who was not able to join in one of the competitions scheduled for him that year, was at the pinnacle of his happiness when he met Sallach in this event reported by The New York Times. The fact that Sallach seemed to be recovering swiftly and looked healthy during the incident marked the Hoffman’s day as his most moving. Presently, Sallach’s recent tests disclosed no signs of lymphoma and no manifestations of any complications caused by the procedure. Donation Drive In Toronto, Canada, several people lined the streets to campaign for awareness in stem cell donation. Generally initiated by the leaders of the Chinese community there, the admirable propaganda drew warm reception from most citizens who come from different ethnic backgrounds. The volunteers emphasized heavily on the “donor’s opportunity to save lives and be part of the solution to almost 30 people’s varying health problems” (Mullins, 2010). It is not only that they appealed to the emotions of people, but they even went far in explaining the science behind stem cell. Upon the success of their undertaking, they officially organized a group that would especially deal with the matter. Since then, the area has become an open field for stem cell donation in the country. Less Pain, No Harm Bone marrow donation is undeniably one of the most painful procedures that a stem cell donor may undertake. However, research verifies that the “pain is only temporary and donors would soon return to their normal activities” (Kennedy et al., 2002). One of the greatest fears people have even in a simple blood donation is the pain that they might undergo during the process and how long shall it last, thus this finding should really extinguish all their doubts and apprehensions. Additionally, the study found out that “although a few bone marrow donors experienced severe pain at the operation site, it was identified that there was no significant long-term side effects relating to the stem cell donation” (Kennedy et al., 2002). In Embryo Donation Another research conducted among Swedish couples concluded that “they are altruistic and would opt to donate their supernumerary embryos for research instead of letting them be discarded” (Bjuresten & Hovatta, 2011). The medical study also stressed that only very few among the respondents were against embryo research based on ethical considerations. Even though the sample of this very recent research was in a relatively rich European country, it only signifies that people are enthusiastic about stem cell donation and are open to participate in the banking and research of stem cell for the purpose of treating diseases. Children as Donors A policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics supports that “minors can serve as stem cell donors when specific standards are achieved” (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2010). This organization of doctors for children upholds that examining the situations of the child under which he or she could participate and assuring to minimize any risk involved would already erase the ethical substantiation against the procedure. Their previous studies also verified that preference for donation goes to “biological siblings as risks of transplant-related complexities are lessened as compared with unrelated donors” (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2010). This is why, top priority donors should always come from the immediate family of the patient. III. Synthesis The above-mentioned cases extracted from reliable newspapers and medical journals narrate the extreme importance and relevance of stem cell donation in these times. Even though there are still a good number of people who are skeptical and even pessimistic about this procedure, there are many who are already open to the idea of donating in order to save lives. Due to the fact that the said medical practice has been proven safe and effective, and has been confirmed to be ethically acceptable, most people all over the world already acknowledge the great gift of stem cell technology in their lives. Thus, the different stories of those who submitted themselves into the procedure and the valuable scientific findings accumulated throughout the years support the safety, effectiveness and ethicality of stem cell donation. IV. Conclusion The growing number of medical cases extremely demands for a risk-free and efficacious treatment. The discovery of stem cell as a proven answer to most of these conditions and diseases provided a sigh of relief to all. Not only were medical scientists and practitioners become so hopeful about this, but also were the patients, their families and even ordinary citizens who aspire for an end of burdens caused by health problems. It is sad to note, however, that the sum of all those people who are already open to the procedure of stem cell donation far fulfills of those countless people who are still waiting for help. Certainly, this calls for a more convincing advocacy for stem cell, a more convenient way of donation and a more extensive education about the matter. References American Academy of Pediatrics. (2010). Policy statement on children as hematopoietic stem cell donors. Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics. Bjuresten, K., & Hovatta, O. (2011). Donation of embryos for stem cell research—how many couples consent? UK: Oxford UP. Himmelsbach, A. (2010, December 17). Rowan Player who donated stem cells meets recipient. New York Times, B19. Kennedy, G.A., Morton, J., Western, R., Butler, J., Daly J. & Durant, S. (2002). Impact of stem cell donation modality on normal donor quality of life: a prospective randomized study. Brisbane, AU: Bone Marrow Transplantation (Royal Brisbane Hospital). Mullins, K.J. (2010). Stem cell donation drive hits Toronto's Chinese Community. Digital Journal Reports. Retrieved from http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/289662 National Institutes of Health. (2010). FAQs in stem cell information. Retrieved from http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/faqs Read More