Stem Cell - Research Paper Example

Though one cannot forecast the results from basic research, there is enough information available to suggest that a good deal of this enthusiasm is justified. Definition of Stem Cells Stem cells are basically building block cells of a human being which are capable of becoming 210 different types of tissue. “Stem cells have traditionally been defined as not fully differentiated yet to be any particular type of cell or tissue” (Irving, 1999). Adult stem cells are found in minute numbers within most tissues, but the majority of stem cells can be obtained from the umbilical cord.

A more precise term is “somatic stem cells” (Sullivan, 2004). There are numerous potential sources for stem cells. Embryonic stem cells originate from the inner cell of an early stage embryo. Embryonic germ cells can be collected from fetal tissue at a later stage of development. Adult stem cells can be obtained from mature tissues. “Even after complete maturation of an organism, cells need to be replaced. A good example (of adult stem cells) is blood, but this is true for muscle and other connective tissue as well, and may be true for at least some nervous system cells” (Chapman et al, 1999). . It has been substantiated from animal research that stem cells can be differentiated into cells that will behave appropriately in their transplanted location.

For example, the transplantation of stem cells following treatments for cancer has found much success for many years. “Experiments such as the transplantation of fetal tissue into the brains of Parkinson’s patients indicate that the expectation that stem cell therapies could provide robust treatments for many human diseases is a reasonable one. It is only through controlled scientific research that the true promise will be understood” (Frankel, 1999). Argument for use of aborted fetuses The moral dilemma that surrounds the prohibition of aborted fetuses is the idea of abortion itself.

The former Bush administration made it very clear that it was opposed to legal abortions, in at least most circumstances, and transferred that ideology to the prohibition of embryonic stem cell research. The concept of scientific study of the next stage of development, the fetus, which resulted from an abortion, was unthinkable. The ideology of the past Presidential administration reflected the minority which opposes abortion and also reflects the majority that is opposed to aborted fetuses of consenting parents being used for experimentation.

This reality has no basis in reason. Why would those who claim to be ‘pro-choice’ want to waste the aborted tissue? For that matter, why would pro-lifers want to witness what they believe is a living being tossed away in vain? At least its ‘life’ could have meant something to humanity in a very real way. In 1999 alone, more than 850,000 abortions were performed in the U.S.