Stem cells are commonly extracted form unwanted embryos which is a collection of extra embryos that are created during medical procedures with the help of infertile couples. When a woman goes through this process she is given medication that causes her to produce almost two dozen mature ova. These “eggs,” so to speak, are then fertilized by the sperm of her husband. About three days after the completion of this project the embryo is at the blastocyst stage with is a collection of 4 to 10 cells. (“What are...” np) These are sometimes called “pre-embryos.” These organisms have no brain, central nervous system, heart, lungs, mouth, or any other internal organs. They have no means to hear, taste, or touch anything. These cells do have the potential to become humans and many of the pro-lifers believe that each of these cells are humans and have souls. Skeptics say that souls do not exist in embryos or in people. (“What are...” np)
Even though stem cell research is in the earliest of stages there is a growing consensus among researchers that medical treatments could be formed by cloning the cells and then replicated into specific human tissues. (“Stem Cell...” np) The process for obtaining stem cells begins with terminated pregnancies or embryos produced by in-virto fertilization clinics. (“Stem Cell...” np) When these cells are isolated they can be stored away for future use. (Stem Cell... np)
There are many issues to consider when we think about stem cell research. It is important that we look at ethical issues to consider the potential moral outcomes of stem cell technologies, the legal issues that discuss how stem cell technologies should be regulated by the government, and also how this issue can impact society as a whole. (“What Are...” np) Controversy exists because those cells are obtained from destroyed embryos. This raises similar concerns as those surrounding abortion. (“Stem Cell...” np) The most prominent global opponent of this research is the church, specifically Catholics, who constantly ask President Bush to not support funding for this research. (“Stem Cell...” np) On August 9, 2001 President Bush stated that the Administration will not support continued funding for research on Stem Cell lines that have already been abstracted and that the number of cell lines that already have been found are adequate for current research purposes. (“Stem Cell...” np) Only recently has this been turned into a political issue. In the 2001 and 2004 elections candidates discussed and debated the pros and cons of this type of research that was mostly separated by party lines. (“Policy Brief...” np) Democrats generally tend to support funding of this new technology for technology research purposes while the Republican Party is divided on the issue. So far there has been no vote taken on this issue but a group of 60 senators including 13 Republicans signed a latter asking President Bush to support federal funding for using embryos form in-vitro clinics for this research. (Stem Cell... np)
In an article in the Washington Post, Laura Bush defended her husband by stating that he was “the only president to authorize federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.” and she further sated that Bush “has provided a boost to research in a very promising new field, while recognizing that this is an issue with moral implications that must not be treated lightly.” (3) President Bush is often critized for stoping the funding for this research but people rarely mention the fact that he has tried to expand the program, just not at the expence of moral situations.
With the possibility of the cures for many of the known illnesses, many scientists are devoting much of their time to push for more support from the people as well as the government to continue their research. The medical world has also stepped in to petition for support. Scientists and doctors both understand the potential of stem cells, as well as the importance of the people’s support. Most sciencetists have developed an attitude that tells us that until Americans understand the vast potential of stem cells, these scientists and doctors will continue to perform their research and medical procedures without drawing undue attention to their activities. (“Policy Brief...” np) In reality, it is not the good that this research can do that people disagree with; it’s the ethical harm that could be inflicted from this research.
Some stem cell research does not present ethical dilemmas as well. (“Stem Cell...” np) Research involving adult stem cells as well as those extracted from umbilical tissue have already resulted in some effective experimental treatments fro certain conditions. Some research has suggested that scientist could use adult cells for specialized tissues in the same way scientists use embryonic cells. (Stem Cell... np)
There are many questions to ponder when thinking about stem cell research. For example: How far should researchers take stem cell technologies? In this new field of research it seems as if all the lines and boundaries are blurred. It is imperative that a happy median be maintained between technological advancement and ethical preservation. Yet, another question is should the government provide funding for embryonic stem cell research? This is one inquiry that is hard to answer. I find it hard for the government to fund such a project that so many people disagree with. I think that at least a strong majority of the people should be in favor of something before the government decides to use their tax money to support it. Although, it would be a good principle for the public to support what their tax money goes towards it is rarelythe case. However, it is important that if this research is funded in the future that the government provides strict laws to regulate stem cell research. There is no doubt that without regulations on such a project as this that things could get out of hand.
It becomes overwhelmingly apparent that technology will continue to expand throughout the years to come. However, one question will remain: How will moral implications effect how innovative technology is used?
