Why stem cell research is right - Essay Example

Why stem cell research is right Human embryos will develop with the formation and development of stem cells. That is, the stems cells only transform into various organs and tissues, as the embryo grows into a fetus. So, stem cells are the ‘source’ for all the external as well as the internal human organs and tissues. “Stem Cells are the source from which the bodys tissues replenish themselves.”(Porter, 2006). Pro-group believe these stem cells from the embryo can be grown into any organs that may be needed for human transplantation.

“If scientists can reliably direct the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into specific cell types, they may be able to use the resulting, differentiated cells to treat certain diseases at some point in the future” (stemcells.nih.gov, 2008). There are many people who suffer because of injuries and diseases, to brain, spinal cord, heart, etc. Those injuries and diseases could result in physical and mental disabilities. But, they can be treated and cured by injecting or transplanting the extracted embryonic stem cells to the affected parts, helping them to live a normal and purposeful life.

American liberals support the embryonic stem cell research because they consider embryonic stem cells treatment as one of the workable options to treat many diseases, injuries and malfunctions. They point out the results of many studies done by scientists, who have stated that embryonic stem cells can cure many medical problems including spinal cord injury related paraplegia, quadriplegia; also brain related multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons disease, Alzheimers disease, heart diseases, cancer, etc, etc.

Many Americans and people all over the world face innumerable sufferings because of the above mentioned diseases. That is, when the injured or the diseased person’s neurons and other cells gets damaged, it could leave them ‘disabled’ both physically as well as mentally. In some cases, it could even lead to deaths. But, this grave situation can be corrected, if these embryonic stem cells are transferred or transplanted to the site of the damage or ‘destruction’ in the brain, spinal cord, heart, etc.

Many people including scientists, politicians and importantly the affected people are all advocating this novel and importantly life saving treatment. Their view is, it gives a kind of ‘rebirth’ to many individuals, who could be confined without any ‘freedom’ to do, what they want to do. With no ‘effective’ treatment for these diseases, the liberals opine that embryonic stems cells by regenerating damaged neurons in spinal cord injured, ‘refreshing’ the neurons in brain diseased and also by repairing the damaged cells in heart and in other parts of the body, will surely alleviate their sufferings and help them live a normal and happy life.

The problem with the anti- stem cell research groups’ approach towards embryonic stem cell research is they don’t care for the affected people. So, without showing any concern for the individuals, the anti research group oppose the research. On the other hand, the Pro-stem cell research groups consider embryonic stem cells as one of the best workable options to treat many diseases, injuries and malfunctions. They also propose that embryonic stem cell research should be allowed in the US soil and funding for that research should be given by the US government.

California voters have already approved a $3 billion bond to fund embryonic stem cell research. As stated above, Pro-stem cell research groups’ main argument in support of embryonic stem cell research is, it gives a kind of rebirth to many individuals, who are confined to their beds, wheelchairs and their homes. “Patients with stroke or spinal cord injuries could receive cell-based treatments that would restore function, enabling functional independence.” (Holland et. al, 2001). So, providing them an effective treatment through embryonic stem cell research is like giving them a new lease of life and aiding them to live a normal and happy life achieving all their wishes, ambitions… References: Holland, S, Lebacqz, K and Zoloth, L. (2001). The Human Embryonic Stem Cell Debate: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy Debate.

Massachusetts: MIT Press. Porter, R. (2006). The Cambridge History of Medicine. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press stemcells.nih.gov. (2008, February 20). Stem Cell Basics: How are embryonic stem cells stimulated to differentiate? Retrieved April 28, 2010 from http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics3.asp