Umbilical Stem Cells

Paper Summary:

In this article the writer notes that stem cells have received much attention because of their unique capacity to renew themselves and morph into several different types of specialized cells. The writer also points out that the practice of harvesting stem cells from aborted fetuses has received much criticism from conservative groups, prompting President Bush to halt federal funding for stem cell research. This paper argues that there is a way to accommodate ethical concerns, while reaping the benefits of stem cell research. The writer maintains that umbilical cords are a viable source of stem cells, and do not raise the same ethical issues as harvesting from fetuses. The writer argues, therefore, that parents should be strongly encouraged to donate their newborns' umbilical cords to public and private banks, to provide scientists with a source of stem cells for their life-saving research.

From the Paper:

"Already, umbilical cord stem cells are proving remarkably promising in the treatment of diseases. Researchers have already identified some 67 afflictions that have been successfully treated with cord blood stem cells, and more illnesses are being added to that list. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for example, have released a study regarding the use of cord blood stem cells in the treatment of Krabbe's Disease, a fatal disorder of the central nervous system. Babies born with this hereditary disease suffer seizures, blindness, deafness and feeding problems before death at around age two. However, the researchers found that infusing newborns at birth with the cord blood stem cells from an unrelated donor are still alive well past their second birthday. Though some of the children show problems walking, the majority score normally on cognitive development tests and all the children exhibit normal vision."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Peterson, Holly. "Cord-blood Controversy." Newsweek. August 18, 2003: 56.
• Seppa, Natan. "Baby Rescue." Science News. May 21, 2005: 323-324.
• Smith, Wesley J. "Umbilical Accord." Human Life Review. 31:4, Fall 2005: 87-89.

More papers on Umbilical Stem Cells:

• Research Paper # 49931 : "Umbilical Cord Stem Cells"
• Term Paper # 54446 : "Stem Cells"
• Argumentative Essay # 55888 : "Stem Cell Research in the United States"

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