Stem Cell Research
Why Is There So Much Controversy?
In introduction, I would like to say that it sounds great
does it not. Harvest a few cells; modify them in order to grow a different
cell, because stem cells can differentiate into any type cell you need.
According to scientists, there is much hope in using stem cells for cures and
even in replacing diseased organs, such as the liver, heart, lung, or corneas.
There may also be hope of re-growing limbs, as well as curing diabetes,
Parkinson’s disease, and repairing spinal cord injury, among others. According
to then President Bush, “ Research on embryonic stem cells raises profound
ethical questions, because extracting the stem cell destroys the embryo and
thus destroys its potential for life” (President Bush 2001).
I believe there is promise in stem cell research, even
with the moral issues, and I believe there are other alternatives to using
embryos. Here is what Explore Stem Cells has to say about a new technique for
harvesting stem cells:
Traditionally,
embryonic stem cells were harvested by destroying the human embryo in a process
called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). A somatic cell is simply a body
cell that is neither an egg nor a sperm cell. In this procedure, the nucleus is
removed from a somatic cell and it is then implanted into a donor egg that
first had its nucleus removed. The egg cell is essentially fooled into thinking
it has been fertilized. It has its own DNA and after stimulation, it divides
just as a normally fertilized egg would, before forming an embryo. Cells from
the inner cell mass are extracted and cultured to provide embryonic stem cells
but the technique destroys the embryo. This process has, of course, generated
much debate because the embryo could potentially have become a living person.
ANT,
(Altered nuclear transfer) however, prevents
an embryo from actually being created. The nucleus of the somatic cell is
altered, or genetically reprogrammed, prior to being transferred into the egg.
The alteration consequence is that the somatic cell DNA still produces stem
cells but does not generate an embryo. (Explore Stem Cells)
There are moral issues involving this controversy. The
harvesting of stem cells often involves embryos, which destroy the fetus. There
are alternatives to using embryos, such as using adult cells, umbilical cords
discarded after babies are born, and from human placentas. There are also
animals being used; pigs rabbits, and mice, for example.
. Moreover,
many scientists feel research on these types of stem cells is also promising. Treatments
developed from adult stem cells help many patients suffering from a range of
diseases. If Explore Stem Cells were correct, then the moral controversy would
no longer be an issue. President Obama has taken a different stance on the
issue than then President Bush.
“Mr. Obama's action, before
a packed East Room audience, reverses former President George W. Bush's policy
on stem cell research by undoing a 2001 directive that banned federal funding
for research into stem lines created after that date.” (Politics.USNews.com)
Apparently, federal money is not to
be used for stem cell research, since this judge sends a staggering blow to the
Obama administration.
“A
federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked government rules expanding stem
cell research, a blow to the Obama administration that could stall potentially
lifesaving research.” (Huffington Post Aug 2010)
An appeal has been filed by the Justice
Department.
“The Department of Justice on Tuesday said it would appeal a U.S. District Court ruling that challenged the legality of the Obama administration's guidelines allowing federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, the New York Times reports (Stolberg/Harris, New York Times, 8/24). A DOJ spokesperson said the department plans to file the appeal by the end of this week, Politico reports.” (Russonello, Politico, 8/24)
Figure 1 Associated Press/Photo by Paul
Sancya
In conclusion, to reiterate my thesis statement, which I believe shows there is promise in stem cell research, even with the moral issues, I also believe there are other alternatives to using embryos. If scientists use the ANT, (Altered nuclear transfer) method, there are no further issues. Based on the new method, it makes sense that much good can come of stem cell research.
Works Cited:
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/gwbushstemcell.htm Aug
2010http://www.explorestemcells.co.uk/NewHarvestingTechniques.html Aug 2010
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/23/stem-cell-regulations-tem_n_691738.html Aug 2010
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/199005.php Aug 2010
http://politics.usnews.com/news/obama/articles/2009/03/09/president-obamas-speech-on-stem-cell-executive-order_print.html Aug 2010
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