Ethics in Medicine - Case Study Example

Ethics In Relation To a Case Study Ethics by definition entails the decree of conduct known in relation to a given class of a group of people. In addition, it involves the right or wrong of an action (Rheenen 2007 pg96). Following the case study of embryo research by different scholars, many key features arise. However, basing on the essay the focus is on one key problem that is the rights of infants relating to the process of conceiving to birth. Relating to this key feature, fetuses face wrongful acts of no rights in relation to the case study. In addition, the carrying out of this study involves abortion. This depicted unrightfully act on the sample fetus since they are assumed to be human beings as well (Kadereit 2011 pg108). From above problem, many controversies arise from the case study. For instance, the government withdrew from funding the research. This was because of the preceding debate on the abortion. In relation the government felt convinced that this research was violating the rights of fetus as a human being thus they had to stop funding it to stop the research process. Moreover, the other factor was that the scientist did not know how many fetuses were required to successfully achieving their goals in the research. Thus, they would continue using as many fetuses as possible for the experiment. This would in turn lead to waste of these fetuses, which was unlawful act, and violation of right to life (Pomerance 2012 pg 256) In addition to above, moral status of embryos does not allow anyone to use them for scientific purposes, even destroy, or discard them for any reason. In addition, the wellbeing and right of a fetus are very clear and therefore it is unethical to discard them for various scientific researches like stem cell. Moreover, Judie Brown adds that direct killing involves even puts the fetus in a Petri plate or any other place that is not of its origin. Adding on the right of the fetus, some people believe that the experiment was unethical because human cell in relation to the research was difficult to prove thus the violation of right to life of the embryo. Finally yet importantly, ethicists argued that the removal of additional fetus for scientific research not carried out by other ways became ethically bigger to destroying them (Freshney 2007 pg416). Relating to above facts, different alternatives emerge to protect the lives of embryos in relation to the research. First and for most, the appropriate one is the use of stem cell from old people. In the beginning, following the case study, using cells from old people was not common because their cells seemed adaptable and not available. Nevertheless, the current studies show the importance of using cells from old people. Relating to above, these cells behaved to have fat, bone, and cartilage. For instance, Brazilian and American scientists were capable of applying stem cells of bone marrow to help diabetic patients. Moreover, In comparison, these cells have already gone through clinical screening whereas cells from fetus have never cured any patient (Rheenen 2007 pg102) Basing on this alternative, many advantages and disadvantages come into place. Focusing on the advantages, adult cells extracted from an individual’s system do not face the threat of rejection by immune system of a patient unlike that of the fetus. In addition, there is no killing of the fetus since due to the extraction of cells from a living person and does affect their health system. Finally yet importantly using cells from adults gives the prospect to make use of small samples of their tissues to acquire the original custom of the patient’s cells in enhancing the follow up implantation. Finally yet importantly, it is ethical in relation to rights of life since no life is lost in the process (Whedon 1997 pg 347). Basing on the disadvantages, a major one is the difficulty faced in culturing the cells of adults in vitro. In addition, the possibility of this transition has not been possible. Moreover, these cells have short life cycle when transitioned in vitro in contrast to the cells of the fetus. Thus, the cell divisions are very low as compared to those of embryo. The other alternative that is suitable to use in replace of embryo cell one is stem cells acquired from umbilical cord blood. The little quantity of blood found in the cord after birth is always full of stem cells. This process also becomes a safer way of obtaining the cells for research because it is operates outside the womb when the baby is already born. Relating to its advantages, it is readily obtainable whenever needed that is from samples and banks. Moreover, these cells are more repellant to diseases and infections and thus they have few demerits after transplant because they need fewer drugs for transplant. Finally yet importantly, these codes contain almost ten times the blood responsible for the production of these cells. Thus basing on this alternative, is can applied if a good match is not found among available donors (Appelbaum 2004 pg 161) Despite the advantages of employing this process, there are also disadvantages. In relation, later in life the infants may have lees or no access to stem cells of umbilical cord. In addition, the laboratory rate for production of white blood cells as well as platelets takes longer in expansion after the transplant of the stem cell. Furthermore, it is limited and if a patient requires more stem cells, it becomes difficult to acquire one. Finally, blood cell of umbilical cord normally takes a longer time to engraft. The result here may enhance chances of a patient’s risk to different infections and bleed for a very long time as compared to a person transplanted by bone marrow (American Society for Clinical Investigation 2007 pg109). Thus, from above alternatives, it is ethically right to apply them in contrast to embryo stem cells when the concept of right to life is considered. Based on justification the two methods are also environmentally right since instead of disposing the blood stem cells from umbilical cord, it applies for another transplant somewhere. In other word, they support life because no life process is at stake during these processes. Therefore, scientific researchers are encouraged to apply these alternatives to curb the problem of putting embryo’s life in danger. In addition, the stem cells from above two alternatives can be stored in banks for future use. Thus, they are also ethically right for application of the scientific research. Thus, these solutions become the best for the experiments (Steenblock 2006). Basing on above arguments, many recommendations may arise following the concept of right to life. The research is very important because it helps in medical care for transplantation among others. Although embryo stem cells are the most suitable of all, a proposal by is that their use must be stopped. This is because these processes are more or less killing in another way. Therefore, it become unethical when compared with the concept of right to life. Thus, the other two alternatives strongly apply in practicing ethical issues while carrying out the research (Whedon 1997 pg356). The process of using the stem cells of umbilical cord is very easy to collect and develop. After putting into consideration its substance, the nature of throwing them away after giving birth goes through elimination thus become replaced by banking. Moreover, cord blood cells last for a maximum of 2 weeks. In contrast, stem cells of bone marrow take a long time to allocate and then match. In addition collecting of stem cells form umbilical cord is not always painful. For instance, it is either to the mother or to the infant. This is because it takes place before or after the liberation of placenta. Relating to bone marrow, a donor is required and during the process, he feels pain and anxiety. Thus in comparison of the cost, umbilical cord is cheaper as compared to bone marrow (Pomerance 2012 pg271). The cells from umbilical cord familiarize to be another donor of to treat malevolent and non-malevolent diseases. In relation, not every person requiring a stem cell is able to get the correct match among the family. Moreover for these people, stem cell from umbilical cord becomes very the main source for their rescue. A great volume of these cells is emerges within the blood of infants. Following birth the umbilical cord and placenta hold some blood left behind. The blood is highly rich in stem cells and has the advantage of keeping for future use. In addition, the blood from umbilical cord becomes frozen until its need arises. This blood applies for transplant of the cord blood (Appelbaum 2004 pg222). Thus stressing on recommendation, the use of blood from umbilical cord becomes most appropriate. This is because the cord is rich in stem cells. Moreover, there are reduced risks of acquiring viral infections since the blood goes through thorough screening. In addition, the capacity to differentiate brain cells help in treating persons with brain disorders. In relation, this process also has ethical concerns. Currently it the treasury of cord blood increases because of its substance of stem cells. In addition, more families today try to acquire knowledge on whether to empower on saving blood from their baby’s umbilical cord. Thus this basing on this recommendation, considerations must go through proper maintenance. For instance banking these bloods for future consumption by patients becomes very crucial (Freshney 2007 pg414). Basing on the ethical issues, a variety of ethical considerations in relation to collection of the stem cells in it requires much awareness. The subject of familiar authority becomes the first one. Most scientists converge in mind that if possible, authority must be acquired prior to the start of labor. In contrast, women, most of the time reaches the dispensaries and hospitals already in labor. Following the statement, they normally do not know about the donation of the cord blood. Thus achieving a common agreement becomes a problem in these situations. In relation to storage, attention about efficiency of the transplantation has raised questions to the requirements by private blood banks. They are required to practice ethical issues and help whoever may be in need of cord blood (Appelbaum 2004 pg175). From above arguments therefore an implementation plan may come forth relating to stem cells obtain from umbilical cord blood. This implementation may have great challenges. For instance the cord is normally is useful for a period of 15 seconds after the infant pops out. In relation, based on stored settings, the delay of umbilical cord becomes a realistic intervention. Basing on considerations there are two implementation strategies for consideration pertaining the newborns. Firstly the organization procedures, which makes sure that the practice involving the cord blood is safe and harm is not brought to the mother and the infant. Secondly, putting in place procedures that enhance a change in the normal practice of doctors and nurses in hospitals is also important. This is to help them take on the intrusion (Freshney 2007 pg422). In relation to the implementation, with appreciation to the first implementation plan above, it would be better to make sure that in the rooms of delivery, every safety measure are put in place in order to offer proper care and avoid alterations in relation to variation of mental variables within the ordinary array. Moreover, relating to the second plan it is good to note that shifting conventional practices need some attempt within a stipulated time and requires expansion of normal verifications available to doctors and nurses. In addition, the plan focuses on integrating with UNICEF to carry out a test on the implementation. In addition, the timing of clamping is to be measured in 3000 births. This will create timing for the cord to be 35 seconds for the overall people and aroung15 seconds for newborns with weights less than 2400 grams. Relating to these information a sequence of action should be taken to enhance overdue to not prior to the initial minute of infant’s life. This is conjunction with the aim of expanding iron supplies of newborns and preventing anemia in the primary month of living. In relation, UNICEF has to support the development of a commonly proscribed test to analyze possible dangers of the process to infants and mothers (Appelbaum 2004 pg242). Moreover, around 300 mothers to newborns are t indiscriminately allocated to four groups with various timing of clamping umbilical cord. The plan will try to show ethnic ideas in relation to the cord blood. Therefore, from the plan above, it would become perfecto get involved in randomized prohibited trials of enough numerical influence in less-resourced places. The idea is to evaluate the probability of implementing the delayed cord in relation to advantages and threats it has. This plan will help identify how ethics receive violation with other important concept in life (Kadereit 2011 pg199). In conclusion therefore, rights of individuals whether young or old is very important. It forms part of moral ethics. That is why abortion is illegal. Moreover, the growth of fetus needs much of oxygen and nourishment while in the womb to enhance growth. In relation since infants are also human beings, they should never be part of science research because they also have a right to life like any other person in the society. Thus ethics should always be maintained to because the law of right to life. Furthermore, the nature of transplant involved by these tissues does not need a different donation ways. References KADEREIT, S., & UDOLPH, G. (2011). Umbilical cord blood: a future for regenerative medicine. Singapore, World Scientific. POMERANCE, J. J. (2012). Interpreting umbilical cord blood gases: for clinicians caring for the fetus or newborn. [Pasadena], Calif, BNMG. FRESHNEY, R. I., STACEY, G., & AUERBACH, J. M. (2007). Culture of human stem cells. Hoboken, N.J., Wiley-Interscience. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=197898 RHEENEN, P. V. (2007). The role of delayed umbilical cord clamping to control infant anaemia in resource-poor settings. Amsterdam, Rozenberg Publishers. WHEDON, M. B., & WUJCIK, D. (1997). Blood and marrow stem cell transplantation: principles, practice, and nursing insights. Sudbury, Mass, Jones and Bartlett Publishers. APPELBAUM, F. R., BLUME, K. G., & FORMAN, S. J. (2004). Thomas' hematopoietic cell transplantation. Malden, Mass. [u.a.], Blackwell. AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL INVESTIGATION. (2007). Science in medicine. Sudbury, Mass, Jones and Bartlett Publishers. STEENBLOCK, D. A., & PAYNE, A. G. (2006). Umbilical-cord stem-cell therapy: the gift of healing from healthy newborns. Laguna Beach, CA, Basic Health Publications. Read More