Stem Cell Research

Argumentative Essay # 104692

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Stem Cell Research

Explores the controversial debate surrounding stem cell research in the USA.

2,275 words () | 6 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews both sides of the ongoing moral and political debate surrounding stem cell research in America. Specifically, the paper looks at the perceived medical benefits of stem cell research as well as at the exciting possibilities the new research affords for therapeutic care. On the other hand, the paper also examines the moral concerns raised by conservative opponents of stem cell research. Finally, the paper points out some of the additional complications presented by stem cell transplantation and concludes by offering the writer's own stance on the stem cell issue.

From the Paper:

"Stem cell research is now becoming a huge issue with a large segment of the population. For one thing, we are growing older as a population, and that means that more and more of us will be falling victim in the years ahead to diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's that tend especially to hit the elderly. Moreover, the simple reality is that modern science has reached a point where we are now able to do things, conceive of things, that would have mostly unimaginable only a couple or three generations ago. Specifically, practices like gene manipulation, sex-selection abortions, in-vitro fertilization and the fact we are now able to unlock (some) of the mysteries of the human genome all point to a future (maybe even a present) wherein mankind will be better-positioned to play God than at any time in human history; how we handle that power, and how we handle the ethical concerns that arise from it, will greatly determine what kind of world we will ultimately have. With all of this in mind, it is worth examining in detail the ongoing stem cell research debate by looking at both sides of the conversation and at what its implications are for the future of policy-making in this country. As should become evident, both those in favor of stem cell research and those opposed to it have compelling arguments supporting their respective claims; that being said, it is now the responsibility of the American public to decide for itself which side of the argument they will come down on."

Sample of Sources Used:

Condic, Maureen L. (2007). What we know about embryonic stem cells. First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion & Public Life, 169, 25-29.
Couzin, Jennifer. (1999, May 31). The promise and peril of stem cell research. U.S. News & World Report, 126(21): 68.
Gershon, Diane. (2003, April 24). Stem-cell research. Nature 422(6934): 928-929.
Master, Zubin, McLeod, Marcus, and Mendez, Ivar. (2007). Benefits, risks, and ethical considerations in translation of stem cell research to clinical applications in Parkinson's disease. Journal of Medical Ethics, 33(3): 169-173.
The Pew Research Center. (2005, May 23). More see benefits of stem cell research. The Pew Research Center: For the People and the Press. Retrieved June 20, 2007 from <http://people-press.org/commentary/display.php3?AnalysisID=111>