Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research

Advanced Composition

Introduction

In doing my research and web browsing into the stem cell controversy, along with the ethical laws governing this type of science, I found a wide variety of views both for and against. With the research that is being conducted and the breakthroughs that are being made are making humankind face decisions on whether to use the cures or therapies developed from this research. When discussing stem cells, one has to understand that this is the isolation of human embryonic stem cells. The cells are then harvested for both publicly and privately funded research laboratories around the world. In making a decision to use this research can make a person cross their own ethical and religious beliefs when a love one is stricken with a life threatening illness.

There has been a long running battle between Religious groups and Scientific Researchers placing the Government in the middle. Religious Groups and Anti-abortion groups claim that it is unethical to use embryonic stem cells. They firmly believe that once the egg has been fertilized, that is when life begins. They are afraid that it would make abortion more acceptable. Scientists in the private sector however disagree and perform the research out of the purview of the Government in privately funded research labs. They have been doing stem cell research in order to find cures for cancer, diabetes, wound healing, digestive and kidney diseases, just to name a few. Currently, in the United States, the history of embryonic stem cell research has been bitterly debated since shortly after the Supreme Court’s decision regarding abortion under Roe v. Wade, this decision was made back in 1973 making abortion legal. Since then the various administrations have banned the use of tax dollars for research on embryos, fetuses, and embryonic or fetal tissue. They do permit research in the privately funded laboratories and research centers. This...