stem cell research

Stem Cell Research

With all the advances in medical technology there are still diseases, illnesses and conditions that cannot be treated or cured effectively. Researchers are now finding that human embryonic stem (ES) cells can provide efficient treatment and possible cures for inoperable diseases.

The benefits of stem cells are so enormous yet legally and morally controversial. The ES cells are obtained from aborted fetuses and embryos donated by couples undergoing in vitro fertilization. The use of ES cells raises concerns about the respect of human life- should embryos be created to be destroyed? To obtain certain ES cells for certain patients an embryo would have to be created and then destroyed, some consider this murder. Another dilemma ? is the embryo considered a person ? with rights and interests? It would be unethical to destroy these embryos to obtain ES cells.

These stem cells, however can treat and quite possibly cure many conditions that cannot be treated.

English: Diagram of how microtubules desintegrate ...

A colony of embryonic stem cells, from the H9 cell...

English: Embryonic Stem Cells. (A) shows hESCs. (B...

ES cells have great potential ability to cure diabetes, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord damage, regenerate heart and kidney tissues, Alzheimer's disease, blood disorders and multiple sclerosis.

Can we destroy life to save another? Can scientists play God? These are the questions being debated on this subject.

Resources

http://www.stemcellresearch.org/facts.htm