Making Big Headlines: Arguments Against Stem Cell Research
The arguments against stem cell research have made big headlines. Stem cells are called the basic building blocks of the body because they have the ability to turn into most any other cell in the body, depending on the type. They can multiply and rejuvenate the body. The research that has already been done using stem cells lead scientist to believe they have the potential to treat and possibly even cure some of the worse diseases and medical conditions facing the world today. So, why is stem cell research the center of so much controversy?
The main controversy revolves around human embryonic stem cells research and there are some good reasons why so many people want to stop this type of research. Embryonic stem cells form in the inner cell mass of the blastocyst stage of the embryo. This occurs within four or five days after the egg has been fertilized by the sperm and it will last for a few weeks. Usually, anywhere between fifty to one hundred and fifty stem cells can be found in the embryo at this time. It’s believed that these are the stem cells that have the most potential because they are blank and have the ability to turn into any other cell in the body except for the egg or sperm, but here is where the embryonic stem cell controversy begins. In order to obtain these stem cells, the embryo must be killed. Pro-life advocates consider this to be immoral and the same thing as murder. They believe it shows a horrible disregard for human life. Therefore, it raises many ethical questions and it’s one of the reasons why stem cell research is surrounded by so much controversy.
Arguments against stem cell research also include the debate over whether or not the adult stem cells or the ones found in the umbilical cord are getting enough attention. These can be obtained without any harm being done to the host. Adult stem cell research has proven that these cells can be found in several different places within the body such as in the bone marrow, blood and some have even been discovered in the brain. The cord cells, which are also considered adult stem cells, are obtained from the umbilical cord after it has been detached from the baby and this would normally be discarded anyway. Obtaining adult stem cells does not put human life in jeopardy and they can only be done with the consent of the person or legal guardian. For this reason, it’s believed obtaining these stem cells should receive the most research and the embryonic stem cells should be left alone. The researchers argue this point by saying that the adult stem cells don’t have the same potential as the embryonic cells do because they can only change into a different cell within the same group. This limits their ability. However, more research is needed to discover their full potential.
Arguments against stem cell research also include the fact that at this point in time, the adult stem cells have already made progress by being successfully used in many therapies with excellent results whereas the embryonic stem cells have yet to be tested. It’s believed that if the time and money spent on embryonic stem cells were to be transferred to the adult stem cells, that researcher would be able to accomplish more and see their full potential and that they would no longer have such a strong desire to study the embryonic stem cells.
The stem cell research debate will surely continue into the future but scientists are searching for new ways to solve the problems and make stem cell research acceptable for everyone. Still the arguments against stem cell research are strong and should not be ignored but they should be based on facts, not speculations.
