President George W. Bush, Jr. spent much time debating with all types of people before making his decision on one of the most controversial issues in our society, stem cell research. The first step he took was becoming knowledgeable on stem cells. Stem cells are unspecialized cells that renew themselves for long periods of time through cell division. Researchers discovered stem cells in the tissues and organs of adults, human embryos, and the newest, umbilical cords. The most promising research seems to exist with the human embryonic stem cells; however, the research is slowing down thanks to the ethical debates among Americans. Many people believe that the embryonic stem cells are obtained by killing a baby, but scientists say that these cells have a potential for life. For the cells to continue their process and become a human being, they have to attach to the wall of the uterus.
A colony of embryonic stem cells, from the H9 cell...
English: Embryonic Stem Cells. (A) shows hESCs. (B...
Mouse embryonic stem cells. More lab photosThe cells used for this research are available through in vitro fertilization. In vitro fertilization is the process of making a baby in a Petri dish and then finishing it by injecting some of the cells into a female. The leftovers remain in a freezer until the parents decide the future of them. The options are to throw them away, give them to another couple, or allow their use in research. Common sense should tell a person to use the leftover stem cells for research rather than throw them away. Embryonic stem cell experimentation is necessary to further the research on the reversal of debilitating diseases.
One of the most known arguments is a simple question: when does life begin? The average American would stumble through the answer. Many contend that life begins as soon as the sperm enters the egg; others feel it begins to differentiate or look like...