The Advantages of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay Example

research. In fact, Drs. James Thomson and John Gearhart's research was recognized as instrumental in declaring stem cell research the breakthrough of 1999 by "Science" journal ("Breakthroughs" 1999, 2-3).

In 1998, Dr. James Thomson and his team of the University of Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center successfully isolated human embryonic stem cells by utilizing fertilized ova from in vitro fertilization that were not implanted into a uterus. The team cultured these ova for four to six days and achieved a lineage of embryonic stem cells.

In 1998, Dr. John Gearhart and his team at John Hopkins University School of Medicine found human embryonic germ cells in fetal tissue which have similar properties to pluripotent stem cells. These cells are not fully potent and cannot develop into humans. Stem cell research and cloning both involve the use of embryos. Ian Wilmut famously cloned Dolly the sheep in 1997, but he is against cloning humans.

Although Dolly became the most popular animal clone, it was not the first. Frogs were actually the first to be cloned during the 1960s but this achievement did not gain political or public attention. The Roslin Institute, Scotland, which cloned Dolly, had already achieved sheep cloning prior to that.

In 1995, the cloning of two lambs named Megan and Morag did not generate much attention. The reason for Dolly's widespread popularity was that she had been cloned from an adult sheep that had already died (Pinon 499). The nuclear transfer process is involved in cloning (Pinon 499), where an egg is obtained from a female donor by stimulating ovulation.

The process of cloning entails taking out the nucleus from an egg and exchanging it with a nucleus

from the organism being cloned. After that, the new egg is implanted into the uterus of the mother. Despite not involving sexual reproduction, cloning necessitates both an egg and a uterus. While human cloning raises moral and ethical questions, utilizing human embryos for stem cells could aid countless individuals globally who are grappling with severe illnesses and disorders. Stem cell therapy has the potential to alleviate over 100 million Americans affected by such ailments.

There are many Americans seeking cures for fatal illnesses such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes. Unfortunately, these ailments have limited or no treatment options available. Nevertheless, stem cells have the potential to revolutionize therapy for regenerating the central nervous system of individuals with spinal or stroke injuries. Every year in the United States alone, around five million people suffer from congestive heart failure and an additional 400,000 receive diagnoses.

Research shows that myocardial infarction, which affects around 1.5 million people and has a death rate of almost one-third, is the main cause of heart muscle damage (Holland et al. 8). While traditional drug therapies only work for some patients, stem cell treatment offers promise in reducing mortality rates associated with heart disease (Holland et al. 8). In addition to heart disease, Alzheimer's disease commonly affects memory and cognitive function in elderly individuals.

A. D. E. A. R states that the areas of the brain in charge of cognition, recollection, and communication suffer when there is a reduction in neurons.

The loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain causes Parkinson's disease, a motor system disorder that impairs movement control. This degeneration of nerve cells leads to symptoms like severe trembling in various body parts

including the face, jaw, legs, arms and hands. Those with Parkinson's often struggle with daily activities such as walking and talking (source: Parkinson's Information).

Holland et al. (8) reported that there are five million people who have Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and an additional 500,000 individuals in America suffer from strokes each year. However, stem cell-generated neural cells have the potential to treat various conditions such as spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and hearing loss. Therefore, this technology has the ability to significantly alleviate the pain of millions of Americans.

Harvard Medical School has utilized mouse embryonic stem cells to generate inner ear hair cells, which could potentially remedy hearing loss resulting from damage to these hairs. Additionally, this advancement offers the opportunity for laboratory growth of transplantable organs such as the heart and liver (Quick 1A).

The discovery of stem cells in a baby's umbilical cord has provided a valuable alternative to using human embryos. This previously discarded blood is now collected and frozen by various groups as it contains stem cells that have the potential to cure diseases like leukemia and dementia.

The University of South Florida's Juan Sanchez-Ramos states that umbilical cord stem cell research persists, but only one in a million of these cells have the capacity to regenerate nerve-like cells. Embryonic stem cell usage remains contentious due to moral, ethical, and religious controversies. President Clinton solicited an appraisal from the National Bioethics Advisory Commission concerning legal and ethical apprehensions regarding cloning after Dolly was produced. Research involving embryos raises many queries regarding subjects like cloning and stem cells.

There is an ongoing ethical debate surrounding the usage of human embryonic stem cells. Some people

believe that it is inappropriate to play God while others think that withholding potential cures from those who suffer is morally problematic. One major concern relates to depriving embryos of their potential for life, especially considering uncertainties around when life begins and our obligation to preserve human life from conception. Religious beliefs often influence opinions on this issue.

Traditionally, Jewish belief asserts that an embryo only achieves moral status 40 days after implantation, while a child before birth is seen as part of the mother's body. The Roman Catholic Church previously believed in accordance with Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas that life began 40 days post-conception; however, Stem Cell 44 reports that the Church has since altered its stance to proclaim that all human life must be protected from conception onwards. While Protestants support embryonic stem cell research, any other form of investigation into embryos is met with opposition.

The National Bioethics Advisory Commission granted approval for human embryonic stem cell research in 1999 on the condition that it adheres to ethical standards (Stem Cell 44). For proper implementation, it is important that scientists, government officials, and ethicists reach a consensus on what constitutes "ethical" and "reasonable." Additionally, the topic of funding for such studies has been controversial with government involvement. President George W. addressed this issue on August 9th, 2001.

President Bush's decision to authorize federal funding for research on nearly 60 pre-approved stem cell lines has sparked controversy among both religious leaders and scientists. Despite the absence of current legislation prohibiting private sector production of stem cells, there is pending legislation related to this issue (Stem Cell 46). The President's choice to limit government funding

for stem cell research has drawn criticism from scientists who believe it will impede progress, while some religious leaders accuse him of breaking a campaign promise ("Stemming Research" 6A). Embryonic stem cells have practical applications in treating a variety of illnesses and could offer relief to millions of individuals.

It is important to continue stem cell research as it holds great potential in combating diseases such as cancer. It is crucial for scientists and ethicists to come to a consensus on the ethical framework and the point at which life begins because it directly affects the inclusion of humans in stem cell research. Cloning involves embryos like stem cells, but should not be pursued due to moral responsibilities towards upholding human life. We should take advantage of the medical advancements provided by stem cells.