Embryonic stem cell research (ESC) is, in today’s society, a highly contentious topic; gaining attention from myriad fields. Due to their ability to differentiate into most cell types, human embryonic stem cells may hold the answers required to cure many diseases. Embryonic stem cells are the original form of all cells before they develop their own functions. On the other hand, one cannot help but think about the outcome that would occur once stem cells run out, since each person can only have so many. Though it is no easy task, lives could eventually be saved, suffering could be eased, and diseases could be finally led to their defeat. Furthermore, the cell’s limited ability to undergo mitosis may not be entirely solved but with the presence of the stem cells that can differentiate or specialize at any time, one may be able to increase human lifespan by a couple of decades more or so. Overall, this controversial topic is intriguing because of the alternatives that were found for those who were born with missing parts of the body or with disfigurement due to the human embryonic stem cells. Doubtless, it is a step forward for mankind.
Embryonic stem cells are present in young embryos, they construct after fertilization and divide quickly to form an embryo. Embryonic stem cells are then extracted from donated embryos or embryos from donated eggs and sperms. This extraction destroys the embryo; however, embryonic stem cells have the potential to repair many types of tissue because they are pluripotent. Scientists and researchers believe that embryonic stem cells hold the cure for “spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, hundreds of rare immune system and genetic disorders and much more.” (White, Arguments for and against embryonic stem cell research). After the first couple of cell divisions, subsequent to fertilization, embryonic stem cells would be the only cells that are totipotent, however, later on, they become pluripotent. “A totipotent cell has the potential to divide until it creates an entire, complete organism. Pluripotent stem cells can divide into most, or all, cell types in an organism, but cannot develop into an entire organism on their own.” (Staff, What are stem cells?). As a result of their versatility, embryonic stem cells can both divide into more stem cells and can become any type of cell; allowing them to be used to repair and/or regenerate diseased organs and tissues in the body.
On the 16th of June 2004, eleven days after the passing of President Reagon, a public survey displayed that “74% of Americans say they are more likely to support stem cell research in the wake of his death, including 79% of moderates, 62% of conservatives, and 62% of fundamentalist or evangelical Christains.” (Warner Stem cell support rising after Reagan’s death). President Reagon’s death was due to his suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for, nearly, a decade. His death was a wake up call for Americans. Many adults and children suffer from diseases that are deadly. Now that scientists and researchers have discovered that the cure for these diseases might be in the near future, people do not need to suffer for much longer. Thanks to The Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research, mankind is slowly, but continuously, improving and developing.
No one can deny the fact that the ESC research is very beneficial to the human race’s wellbeing but one also cannot deny that it poses moral questions. One does not yet have a full understanding of embryonic stem cells and if they were to divide uncontrollably, they would cause tumors, leading to cancer. An ethical issue that revolves around this topic is that one might believe that this is ‘interfering with God’s creations’ or ‘it messes with human life’. Pro-lifers believe that in order to gain the embryonic stem cells (when destroying the embryo), one would be taking away another’s rights, choices, and would be murdering one’s life. That it is “unethical since it results in the destruction of human life for research purposes.” (Thomas and Vassallo Against the ATS Statement on Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research).
This controversial topic has aroused the interest of many people. Although it may have some shortcomings, it is a big step for mankind to take. Despite the fact that it is no easy task to master the full understanding and the ability to utilize embryonic stem cells, it is certainly going to lead the human race into further evolution. Every topic contains both advantages and disadvantages, it is the scientific growth in the understanding and knowledge of a subject that eliminates those disadvantages.
Works Cited
Krause, Casey, et al. “Advantages and Disadvantages of Embryonic Stem Cells — Adult Stem Cells vs. Embryonic Stem Cells.” Google Sites, https://sites.google.com/site/stemcellresearchdebate/argument/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-embryonic-stem-cells.
Pollack, Andrew. “Moving Stem Cells Front and Center.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 23 Feb. 2005,
https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/23/business/moving-stem-cells-front-and-center.html.
Staff, Ask A Scientist. “What Are Stem Cells?” Ask a Scientist, 1 Nov. 2019,
https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/ask-a-scientist/what-are-stem-cells/.
Thomas, Charles F Jr, and Robert Vassallo. “Against the ATS Statement on Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.” American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine,
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1164/ajrccm.174.3.357.
White, Deborah. “Arguments for and against Embryonic Stem Cell Research.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 25 May 2019,
https://www.thoughtco.com/pros-cons-of-embryonic-stem-cell-research-3325609.
Warner, Jennifer. “Stem Cell Support Rising after Reagan’s Death .” Stem Cell Support Rising After Reagan’s Death, WebMD, 17 June 2004, https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20040617/stem-cell-support-rising-after-reagans-death.
