Embryonic stem cells are possibly the most exciting development in the field of medicine. Some people see them as ethical nightmares, some people see them as the start of a medical revolution and the cure for many diseases. However, almost everyone would have to accept that they hold a massive potential for changing the way we approach illness and injury.
So let’s back up, and talk about what they are. Embryonic stem cells are cells that can change into other cells and self regenerate. Through repetition of that process, a single totipotent (able to become all cell types) cell becomes an organism as complex as you and I. Not all stem cells are totipotent though. As the organism becomes more developed, the stem cells begin to specialize into different specialized stem cells, and finally into the myriad of different cells types that make up life.
Hypothetically, these cells could be used to create any part of the body. Many diseases, disabilities, and injuries could be cured by this breakthrough in medical science. Unfortunately it’s never that simple. Many different groups are raising ethical issues with the source of the stem cells required for research.
According to a list of stem cell opponents presented by Rep. Jeb Hensnarling, (R-TX), thirteen of the seventeen opponent groups are conservative religious lobbying organizations. The remaining three are primarily anti-abortion groups. Their problems stem (pardon the pun) from the fact that the embryo has to be de constructed to access the stem cells inside.
So what side do you take on the ethical front? Is this the murder of unborn infants, or is it a promising new field of science? Keep in mind there are many different types of research being done and we are still not at the point of perfect cures. On the other hand if we unlock the secrets of our creation as organisms, it could hold the keys to eradicating many of the diseases and issues that plague us today.
This issue is the same as Hitler's eugenics. Although experiments were tested on human beings, it was the main reason the medical field advanced.
ReplyDeleteWould we have been able to find alternative methods to find the same results? Where would we be now? No one can tell you the answer to that.
I personally don't believe a three week old pea-sized fetus is a child. I'm okay with abortion, and I feel if the woman is okay with it, it's her choice. Basically, religious groups need to take their heads out of their asses (excuse my language) because it is not a hat.
As for now, we should try and find a different method to this incredible science.