Controversies Surrounding Stem Cell Approach - Essay Example

? Controversies Surrounding Stem Cell Research Stem cell research is a scientific practice surrounded by many controversies and critics. Advocates of the approach deem that the method is very useful since it helps in secret treatment of some detrimental diseases. However, opponents of this approach assert that the method does not have respect for life and that it degrades the moral standards of the society. Despite such controversies, stem cell research continues to prosper and it is proving to be very effective. This paper analyzes the controversies surrounding stem cell research. It also discusses in favor of stem cell research and gives some benefits of adopting this approach. Introduction Stem cells are those cells with the ability to revitalize all body cells and to specialize into different cell types like nerve, blood and muscle cells despite being undifferentiated cells. For instance, in five-day-old embryos there are embryonic stem cells, which bring about the various cells and organ of the embryo. On the other hand, because of their pluripotent characteristic, the embryonic stem cells are able to single out along each of the three germ layers of cells in the embryo and create the germ line. In addition, the embryonic stem cells are very important for various purposes in biomedical and scientific research. Among the various functions of stem cells, include dealing with basic questions in developmental biology (Hyun, 2008). In addition, for the patients with degenerative disease or have an injury, the cells could replace the damaged or sick cells. Until lately, research has been using the stem cells from excess or rejected embryos stored at in-vitro fertilization clinics (Reaves, 2001). Some studies indicate that it is possible to funnel embryonic stem cells to grow into heart muscle cells that clump together and pulse in spooky unison in a laboratory. Moreover, it is evident that there is improved recovery upon an administration of an injection of heart cells to mice or pigs with heart disease (Weiss, 2011). Another use of the stem cells is in generation of synthetic trachea, where there is no need for death or donation. This means that there can be a drastic move from transplanting organs to manufacturing them for patients. This idea would do best for simple organs like blood vessels, tracheas and ureters (Coghlan, 2011). Nordqvist (2011) adds that stem cells are a remedy for Stargardt's macular dystrophy, which causes progressive loss of vision and macular degeneration. Moreover, the degeneration in the pigmented layer of the retina can cause photoreceptor loss, which could eventually cause blindness. Consequently, human embryonic stem cells can grow to be any type of cell, including retina. There has been use of similar stem cell therapies in the past two years by researchers to create larynxes and ureters. In addition, there are teams working around the globe to develop complex synthetic organs including livers and hearts that are animal- human hybrids (Coghlan, 2011). Conversely, there are demonstrations of surprising adaptability in lab experiments in adult stem cells taken from the blood or organs of healthy adults. Although these cells are slightly useful to scientists, they do not exhibit the same promise as those picked from embryos. Since they are rather set in their techniques, adult cells do not replicate or grow as fast as their younger equivalents (Reaves, 2001). Controversies surrounding the use of stem cell research Although the use of stem cells for research was primarily scientific, it has also turned political causing debates all over the world. These debates threaten the splitting traditional alliances; leave some abortion opponents in an uneasy spot while at the same time challenges our understanding of life. In addition, there is a controversy surrounding embryonic stem cells since they originate from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, the term for a fertilized egg four days after conception. This fact stirs a huge controversy where many pro-life activists strongly oppose the use of embryonic cells for research while others cast their lot in the scientific community supporting continuing research funding. According to pro-life activists, the moral cost of carrying on such research overshadows any potential advantages. However, for scientists, the opportunities are both perplexing and tremendous (Reaves, 2001). Scientifically, scientists deem that the use of stem cells is very important since it helps in the treatment of major diseases and conditions. However the controversy is that in order to obtain these cells, the researchers have to destroy an embryo, which is only few a days old. This provides a moral basis under which the opponents of this research base their argument. Another concern raised by the opponents’ concerns safety of the approach, claiming that there has not been adequate examination of the method (Nordqvist, 2011). In United States, several minority groups oppose the destruction of embryos that takes place during the harvesting of the stem cells. Embryonic stem cell research is particularly contentious for people who believe that destruction of five-day-old pre-implantation human embryos should not occur no matter how beneficial the research might be for society (Hyun, 2008). Other opponents of embryonic stem cell research assert that all pre-implantation embryos are prospective full-fledged human beings and that they loose this possibility once destroyed. Conversely, proponents’ embryonic stem cell research indicates that not all-religious customs and beliefs consider early-stage human embryos as potential human beings. These proponents argue that it is not right to consider that all early-stage embryos have the capability of becoming a human being in the future. They assert that most of fertility clinic embryos have poor quality and thus not able to produce a pregnancy (Hyun, 2008). Most opponents also assert that if the use of stem cells continues, the world will be full of numerous embryo farms as well as “cloning mills” for the promotion of human spare parts. Moreover, they deem that scientists can obtain similar results using adult stem cells. However, proponents of stem cell research argue that even if adult stem cells, might be very helpful as remedy for some diseases, they do not have the capability of generating the full range of cell varieties that embryonic stem cells can generate. They also indicate that fertility clinic freezers globally, are swelling with millions of surplus embryos scheduled for disposal (Weiss, 2011). Probably the most controversial aspect of the stem cell research is that scientists can also extract stem cells from aborted fetuses, after obtaining confirmation from the individual who aborted. This offers a very controversial aspect since the opponents deem that this method might encourage abortion (Reaves, 2001). Other critics identify troublesome animal research confirming that embryonic stem cells might develop into tumors or morph into unnecessary forms of tissues. This may lead to the formation of treacherous segments of bone in the hearts they are allegedly repairing (Weiss, 2011). In contemporary studies, stem cells research has become paramount scientifically. In this regard, scientists believe that it is a remedy for treatment of major chronic diseases for instance Parkinsons and Alzheimer’s (Reaves, 2001). However, some challenges hinder the smooth application and development of this approach. For instance, a major challenge is the prospective for over commercialization and preventive patenting practices. In addition, without the actual and considerable likelihood for public advantage, stem cell research loses one of its most significant ethical bases (Hyun, 2008). Conclusion Despite this stem cell research being subject to various critics and controversies, it is evident that the benefits of this approach override the alleged disadvantages. It is also clear that most of the controversies surrounding stem cell research are religious perceptions, where the opponents deem that the approach terminates potential lives. This basis is not very clear and the advocates of the approach often support their premise in a sensible manner. They assert that a few days-old embryos do not necessarily have the full potential of developing in to full-grown humans. It therefore follows that despite many controversies, stem cell research benefits the community fully. References Coghlan, A. (2011). Man receives world's first synthetic windpipe. Retrieved from Hyun, I. (2008). Stem cells. Retrieved from Nordqvist, C. (2011). New Human Embryonic Stem Cell Study for Dry AMD and Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy. Retrieved from Reaves, J. (2001). The Great Debate over Stem Cell Research. Retrieved from Weiss, R. (2011). The Stem Cell Divide. Retrieved from Read More