Stem Cell Research Controversy

Stem cells are a set of immature cells that are capable of being metamorphosed into the cells possessed by a human body to perform its functions with all its abilities. Stem cell research is a process by which these stem cells are extracted from embryonic sources, or from adult tissue, to be converted into cells of the human body, including those of the blood and the brain. Since most attention is paid to embryonic stem cell research, there is a lot of controversy surrounding this issue, and this has been discussed here.

Controversy Over Stem Cell Research

There are mainly two sources of stem cells. One is from the embryos extracted during the blastocyst phase of embryological development, and the other is from adult tissues. The major focus is on embryonic stem cell research because embryos are easily available, and it is slightly more difficult to locate stem cells from adult tissue. Due to the ability of stem cells to metamorphose into cells that are capable of performing all human functions, it is believed that research on these can lead to the development of treatment methods for life-threatening conditions such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, to name a few. Now the issues that are raised regarding ethics of stem cell research are as follows.

• Death of Potential Human Life: In the case of embryonic stem cell research, it is believed that research conducted on an embryo involves killing of a potential human life. This is termed as unethical in the name of humanity. The biggest question is, 'when does human life begin?' The argument here is that human life begins right from the conception of the embryo, and therefore, using this embryo to carry out research is inhuman. However, the answer to this is research on naturally aborted embryos, that anyway do not have the capability to develop into human lives. While much can't be said on the availability of such embryos, it is definitely a better alternative to put an end to the controversy. Further, though it may be slightly more difficult to extract stem cells from adult tissues, this is not a closed option, and can be utilized for the purpose of research.
• Human Cloning: The next concern regarding the controversy of stem cell research is the possibility of human cloning. With animal cloning already being successful, the day when human cloning will be made possible does not seem far. It is believed that if humans are cloned, it will lead to the development of a completely new race of super-humans with high IQ levels and superior abilities. This will result in a whole new form of discrimination against those who have not been genetically designed.

As mentioned earlier, the concern regarding death of a potential human life has been refuted by a lot of researchers. They believe that embryos extracted at the blastocyst phase of development, are just potential human lives, and not human lives in effect. In fact, they are cells equivalent to skin cells, and not distinct, which is why it is ethical to utilize these for stem cell research. Also, a large number of embryos are not utilized when it comes to the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF). These embryos are destined to be wasted, and therefore, will be better used for the purpose of research. Another case where embryos are easily obtained are in cases of abortion (natural or deliberate). Since abortion is legal in several countries, these embryos, instead of being destroyed can be used for stem cell research.

Finally, controversial stem cell research and its issues narrow down to the death of a potential human life. While cloning is also a cause for serious concern, it is the former issue that is hotly debated among the common man, scientific researchers, governments, and religious groups. Though there are several arguments in favor of this process, the controversy about stem cell research is not going to end soon. Stem cell research requires a lot of funding, which is starting to be provided only recently. How soon its effects will manifest, and the advantages and disadvantages of stem cell research become apparent, is for time to tell. Only when the research process, and the implementation of its results are governed under specific laws and guidelines will the safety regarding this process be assured. It is true that the promised benefits of stem cell research will be a great boon to humanity, provided this sensitive issue is dealt with in the right manner.