Embryonic Stem Cell Research: How does it affect you? Essay -- essays

Embryonic Stem Cell Research: How does it affect you?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Embryonic stem cell research is widely controversial in the scientific world. Issues on the ethics of Embryonic Stem (ES) cell research have created pandemonium in our society. The different views on this subject are well researched and supportive. The facts presented have the capability to support or possibly change the public’s perspective. This case study is based on facts and concerns that much of the research done on embryonic stem cells is derived from human embryos. This case study will provide others with a more in depth view of both sides of this great debate. In biological terms, embryonic stem cells posses a virtually unlimited future. â€Å"Adult stem cell research has produced results that could help many patients with various diseases, but proponents of embryonic stem cell research argue that the progress in adult stem cell research should not preclude embryonic stem cell research† (Kukla, 2002). As of November 2004, California residents voted â€Å"yes† to approve $3 billion dollars for stem cell research. Michelle Lane, who is the state coordinator for the Parkinson's Action Network in Louisiana, was not only relieved to see this go through but because she has early on-set signs of Parkinson’s disease she says â€Å"It proves we can win this battle.† Kalb, C. (2004) Scientists believe that using embryonic stem cells offers the most possibilities in scientific research; these cells have the capability to develop into any of the 210 cells found in the human body including heart cells, nerve cells, muscle cells, and skin cells. The budding capacity of the embryonic stem cell may prove useful for treatment of some medical conditions including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, heart disease and cancer. The prospective advantage of using embryonic stem cells is fascinating. Embryonic stem cells are capable of becoming any cell type in the body making them more versatile than adult stem cells. There is a possibility that the patient’s body can reject the adult cells because their derivative is from cells that are not a patient’s own. Supporters of research state that stem cells from embryos are acceptable for research since the embryos are not considered to be human and is vital to the possible future cure of so... ...es Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (2002) Human Embryo Experimentation: Embryonic Stem Cell Research Is Unethical (Roman Espejo, Ed). Greenhaven : At Issue Series. Kalb, C. (2004) Newsweek. New York: Dec 6, 2004) Retrieved January 2, 2005 from the ProQuest database. Kukla, H. J. (2002). Embryonic stem cell research: An ethical justification, Georgetown Law Journal. Washington, 90 (2), 503-544. Retrieved January 2, 2005 from the ProQuest database. Landry, D.W. & Zucker, H.A. (2004, November) Embryonic death and the creation of human embryonic stem cells [Electronic version]. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 114(9) pp1184-1186. Retrieved December 20, 2002, from http://www.jci.org EBSCO Prentice, D. (2003). Science and ethics: The intertwined debate on stem cells. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences 95(4). Retrieved January 2, 2005 from the ProQuest database. Saltzman, R. (2001) The Ethics of Abortion: Research Using Human Embryos Is Morally Unacceptable (Jennifer A. Hurley, Ed.) At Issue Series: Greenhaven Press Sullivan, A. (2001) Human Embryo Experimentation.: Early human embryos are human beings.( Roman Espejo, Ed.) At Issue Series: Greenhaven Press