Human Embryonic Cells and Somatic Cells - Essay Example

Stem Cell Research Ethical Dilemma Ethical considerations are a critical aspect of any medical research. So as to conduct any research in a responsible manner, it is required that the researchers observe certain ethical guidelines that have been formulated by scientific bodies. Despite this fact, there are several questions concerning the development of ethical policies and guidelines. Recently, there has been a lot of debate concerning stem cell research because of the unique nature of stem cells that can develop into different types of cells within the body through growth and development. The functionalities of stem cells allow the body to repair itself internally as they can divide through mitosis so as to replenish other cells. While dividing, stem cells can either remain as it is, that is a stem cell, or can develop into any other body cell such as nerve cell, white blood cell, red blood cell, or muscle cell. It is there unique qualities – as unspecialized cells as well as ones that can be induced to be specialized to perform certain functions – that they have attracted such attention and research from the scientific community. However, the extent to which these cells can be induced under particular conditions is arguable especially due to its association with ethical concerns. While many characteristics can be induced upon the cells by exposing it to different conditions without any harm, the fact that there is a potential danger from such exposition takes over progressive research on the subject. Also, several stem cell experiments on human embryonic cells for IVF (in vitro fertilization) and somatic cells presents ethical concerns which is seen by many as ‘tinkering’. It is important to consider that science has forwarded and developed as a result of research. Since its early days, the various researches conducted by scientists and theorists have played a central roles in the advancement of scientific knowledge. However, this fact does not ignore the moral and ethical responsibilities of a scientific researcher while she or he is on his path to conduct experiments. Most stem cell research experiments are looked upon as essential discoveries that can lead to a transformation of the modern world. More researcher in the field can provide answers to several of the scientific questions and can also resolve problems associated with human reproduction. The debate revolving around embryonic stem cells is its position on the value of life which may considers an embryo as a person or otherwise. Since embryo is considered to be an early form of human life, which is alive, therefore the destruction of the early embryo so as to extract the embryonic stem cell is equivalent to killing a life. However, while these ‘lives’ are being destroyed, more research in the field can unlock more bodily codes that can help in the treatment of human diseases in the future. Despite this fact, many individuals stress on the human life stand which makes the bulk of the debate surrounding stem cell research. For this reason, many countries have imposed research regulations on stem cell research in order to place ethical limitations on the researchers to avoid any possible harm. The 2009 National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines on stem cell research define and outline certain rules regarding the conduct of stem cell researchers as guided by law (2009). It is mentioned that any responsible stem cell research, including embryonic stem cell research, is supported to a degree that follows the laws. Many people are, however, skeptical of the research guidelines and since stem cell research is only being conducted at a few research centers there is a chance that the research can be used to gain financial profits over the years. Also, many of the current research is building upon earlier patents that had been secured by the early researches. The fact that there are only a few stem cell research centers could inhibit research by reducing competition in acquiring rights for the research outputs. However, on the bright side, many ethical guidelines and policies pertaining to stem cell research have been introduced and implemented across countries. These guidelines allow consistent ethical and moral bases for researchers in order to conduct their research responsibly. The fundamental foundations of ethical and responsible research have not changed over the years, although the requirements in order to obtain voluntary consent have seen a transformation in imposition and procedural safeguards. Thus, although stem cell research has raised several moral concerns, attempts have been made by scientific bodies to introduce codes that rule out the ethical scientific practice and behavior concerning research in the area. Although stem cell research is conducted based on ethical guidelines outlines by responsible government and scientific bodies, many individuals still argue the profits, life, and consent perspective of embryonic stem cell research. This is because earlier stem cells for research were donated through informed consent and many people ask for clarifications as to who must specifically give consent. Another concern regarding embryo donors pertain to their choice to donate embryos or not. Recent development in this matter has proposed that the embryo donors be given the chance to receive benefits from the stem cell research to which they have donated to. Such actions will provide an incentive for donors and will possibly help humans in their medical treatments. Despite the presence of ethical guidelines, many people also present doubts regarding the monitoring of stem cell researches in laboratories. Without adequate monitoring, it is possible that researchers deviate from the ethical guidelines although some may follow the rules that have been outlined. In conclusion, stem cell research has presented great concerns from the public in terms of negative opinion and moral questionings. Government and scientific bodies have responded by developing and imposing certain rules and policies so as to circumvent potential threats from mismanaged and irresponsible researches. The sole defined aim of research has been to conduct research so as to benefit humans for possible medial treatments. Although many individuals express their concerns regarding life and possible chances of researchers monetizing their research works by obtaining rights and/or patents for their works. References National Institutes of Health. (2009). 2009 guidelines on stem cell research. [online] Retrieved from: http://stemcells.nih.gov/policy/pages/2009guidelines.aspx [Accessed: 4 Mar 2014]. Read More