The Debate about Stem Cells - Research Proposal Example

of the of the of the Stem Cell Research Introduction Stem cells can be ified into two categories, namely embryonic stem cells, which are obtained from the embryo of humans; and adult stem cells, which are obtained from a variety of sources in the human body, such as the bone morrow(Nairn 2008: 41) These cells replace damaged and dead cells with new cells. Thus, they constitute a biological repair system. In addition, they can replicate themselves indefinitely; and form stem cells that develop into muscle, bone, fat, blood vessel and nerves (Langwith). Stem Cells Research provides several benefits to humans. Claim Stem cells renew damaged cells or organs, and replace the dead cells with new cells. In this manner, they constitute a biological repair system. Warrant Human embryonic stem cells can be used to supplant the damaged cells of almost any part of the body. These cells have the capacity to develop into almost any type of cell in the human body (Langwith). They can replicate themselves indefinitely; and the new cells resulting from this process can either be a stem cell or some specific cell in the body. Backing Cardiac problems, muscular dystrophy, kidney ailments, cancer and other such diseases, have proved to be extremely detrimental to the physical and psychological well being of humans. This sorry situation has been remedied to some extent by the advent of stem cells in the treatment of such ailments (Langwith). Thus, stem cells have the capacity to alleviate human misery to a major extent. Data Two Warrant The unique feature of stem cells has proved of great help in addressing terminal diseases. It is possible to derive stem cells from the amniotic fluid, and such cells have exhibited, almost the same properties as the other varieties of stem cells (Langwith). Backing Diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which are caused by the brain damage, show considerable improvement, on treatment with stem cell(Langwith). Counter- Claim A major detriment pointed out, in respect of stem cells, was that they had failed to provide substantial benefit. During the process of extracting stem cells from the human embryo, irreversible damage occurs to the embryo. This has resulted in open condemnation of the use of stem cells in treatment or research, in some quarters (Kirsner). Rebuttal Stem cell research affords mankind invaluable benefits, which far outweigh the ethical and moral objections. Moreover, these objections are ill conceived and biased. Since, most of the embryos, in the in vitro clinics are frozen and stored, or destroyed; it would be in the fitness of things to use these embryos in stem cell research. It is essential to bear in mind that stem cell research has the capacity to save life and significantly improve quality of life, for a sizeable number of sick people. The opponents of stem cell research oppose the use of stem cells in medical treatment, from prejudice, and not on any rational basis. This is a patent disservice to humanity; due to the fact that a large number of studies have shown that the employment of stem cells, in therapy, alleviates suffering in cardio vascular problems, muscular dystrophy, ailments of the kidney, cancer, and a large number of other ailments (Langwith). Claim Stem cell research provided great help to many chronic patients. Stem cells are most effective in the treatment of disease, and the generation of organs. Data One Warrant Stem cells are extremely effective in curing certain terminal diseases, and diseases resulting from damage to the nervous system and the brain (Medical uses of stem cells). The use of stem cells is a path breaking discovery in medical science, and embryonic stem cells have the versatility to transform into almost any type of tissue in the body. Backing The other diseases that can be cured with stem cells include cancer, diabetes, leukemia and cardiac ailments (Medical uses of stem cells). Data Two Warrant Furthermore, therapeutic interventions, involving stem cells regenerate human tissue, among the old and the infirm. This prolongs their life (Langwith). Backing Stem cells can be used to produce human organs in the human body itself; and this eradicates the risk of rejection, in the context of organ transplants (Langwith). Counter Claim Stem cell research and therapeutic use is unethical, because it results in the destruction of the embryo, from which it is extracted. Those who oppose stem cell research, state that an embryo from which stem cells had been extracted, could have grown into a complete human being. The destruction of the embryo is on account of the process of extracting the stem cells. Of late there had been impassioned pleas from the Church and some people, to totally disallow research in this area (Kirsner). Rebuttal Stem cells are qualified by a number of distinctive features associated, and one of these is their capability to restore themselves. Human embryonic stem cells can replace the damaged cells of almost any part of the body (Langwith). There is a unique feature of the amniotic stem cells, namely that they can renew themselves for longer periods, in comparison to adult and embryonic stem cells. The most extraordinary feature of the embryonic stem cells is that they can grow into any of the 220 types of cells, in the human body. Moreover, they possess the distinctive characteristic of growing indefinitely (Langwith). The Stem cell Research is ethical, since it has the potential to cure many ailments. Claim Stem cell research holds out hope for individuals suffering from terminal and incurable diseases. There are several benefits associated with embryonic stem cells. Some of these benefits relate to their utility in the treatment of serious ailments. These cells are distinguished by their near miraculous capacity to repair damaged human cells. In recent years there has been increased interest in the use of stem cells; which constitute a major discovery in medical science. The most outstanding feature of embryonic stem cells is their proven ability to develop into any type of organ or tissue in the human body (Nairn 2008: 41). This extremely beneficial practice should be continued, as it holds out promise for a suffering humanity. The embryonic stem cells are most effective in the treatment of disease, and in the generation of organs. Stem cells are used in the treatment of certain types of cancers, and diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which are the consequence of damage to the brain or the nervous system. They have also proved to be of significant use in the treatment of ailments, such as diabetes, leukemia and heart disease (Medical uses of stem cells). Stem cells have proved to be extremely useful in treating diseases resulting from brain and nerve damage, namely Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, diseases like diabetes, leukemia and heart disease can be cured with stem cells. Human embryonic stem cells could prove to be extremely beneficial in the treatment of various ailments. There is considerable evidence regarding the beneficial use of such cells in curing some of the diseases (Solo, Pressberg and Moore 2007: 9). Conclusion Stem cell research holds hope for the individuals suffering from terminal and incurable diseases. However, stem cell research is in the nascent stage, and this is largely due to the unwarranted resistance to such work. Any rational person can envisage the benefits that would accrue to mankind from such research. In respect of the scientists and medical researchers, it has been noted that they are sanguine about the benefits that would devolve upon a suffering humanity, by conducting stem cell research. All said and done, it is far more equitable to use embryos in stem cell research, instead of allowing them to be destroyed. Moreover, such research has the capacity of saving lives and bettering the quality of life, of a sizeable number of sick people. Those who support stem cell research, affirm that these cells can transform themselves into any type of cell in the human body. This renders stem cells extremely efficacious in repairing the damaged cells in the body. Today mankind is witness to increased longevity, and a significant contribution to this situation can be attributed to the employment of stem cells. This is chiefly due to their unmatched capacity to regenerate tissues. Works Cited Kirsner, Scott. "Speak Up, Stem Cell Advocates." Boston Globe. Boston, Mass (Jul 19, 2004. p. C.1). Langwith, Jacqueline. Stem Cells Will Soon Provide Cures For Many Diseases. 2007. 7 December 2009 . Medical uses of stem cells. 7 December 2009 . Nairn, Thomas. "What is the debate about stem cells?" U.S. Catholic (2008): 73.10, 41. Solo, Pam, Gail Pressberg and Mary Tyler Moore. The Promise and Politics of Stem Cell Research. The Promise and Politics of Stem Cell Research, 2007. Read More