Stem Cell Science

Over the past few years there has been major controversy over the subject of Stem Cell Research. Stem cells have the ability to regenerate tissue over a lifetime. Stem cells also have the capability to differentiate into a specialized cell type. This meaning that a stem cell can adapt to any type of cell in your body. Now, you may be wondering where the controversy comes into this topic. The major issue is the immorality of stem cells. This falls on a certain type of cells called embryonic stem cells or ESC’s. These ESC’s have the ability to regenerate any type of cell in the human body, making them what is called Pluripotent. Scientists believe that ESC’s have the potential to cure ailments such as Parkinson’s, cancer and even genetic disorders. Pro-life activists have shows their view on stem cells because the taking of ESC’s from an embryo involves the death of that embryo. Their views on life are that life begins at the conception of an embryo, and that killing that embryo is immoral.

ESC’s are not the only type of stem cells; adult stem cells also hold the potential to cure ailments and genetic disorders. Pro-life activists argue that not enough research has been done on adult stem cells rather than ESC’s. The difference being, that with adult stem cells the adult does not need to die in the process of extracting the stem cells. The regenerative values of both kinds of stem cells have the same ability. The problem now is being able to research more into the subject of adult stem cells.

In my view, the issues of immorality in stem cell research fall in the lap of the mother of an unborn child. I believe that the mother has the right to have this child aborted, or if a still birth occurs, have the stem cells removed from the child to be used for research or for the benefit of society. I know that this issue is especially controversial within the religions of the world. Abortion is an issue that runs side by side with stem cell research. But as I have stated before I believe that the choice should be given to the mother as to how the cells are used, or not used at all. Mass production of stem cells should not be employed. A system similar to that of organ donation should be implemented where you are place on a list of viable stem cell patients to receive your treatment.