Ethics vs. Medicine on Stem Cell Research

                Stem cell research is a very debatable subject in the United States. It was just a year ago that stem cell research became legal and actual research didn’t start till this past spring. Stem cell research is done by using human tissue cells to conduct tests on. Stem cells are tested on due to their importance during growth and early life, and their importance leads to traits of humans later in life along with reason for diseases.  Laboratory studies of stem cells enable scientists to learn about the cells’ essential properties and what makes them different from specialized cell types. Debate on stem cell research arises in using embryonic cells to study on, which have to be extracted from the embryo before differentiating begins. This process requires the destruction of the embryo and the destruction of a prospective life. Some believe that this process is murder. However, those supporting it believe that the research will lead to the elimination of birth defects and diseases and help create a healthier human population. Ethics would oppose stem cell research due to the fact that it is killing a prospective life and tampering with the natural order of human life. Over time the research could lead to the selection of traits that an embryo would obtain, eliminating the variety in the human race. More benefits of stem cell research are listed in the follow link. Many religious groups are against the use of embryonic cells, and believe doctors who perform research should be charged with murder in court. (Religious Views on Stem Cell Research) I believe that stem cell research will benefit our society, helping reduce birth defects and cancerous cells. The opposition against it, murder and the narrowing of diversity in our society are valid arguments, but I believe that if they are creating the embryo for a scientific purpose it is not directly murdering a human life. We have the technology to solve cancer and birth defects and I believe we should use it for the betterment of the world.

Learn more about the process of stem cell research.