Abstract A paper against the use of embryonic stem cells in scientific research. The author cites legal and moral reasons in support of his/her argument. Also discussed are some of the medical procedures and issues involved.
From the Paper "The potential for human life should always be given a chance. By destroying human embryos, the chance for a human being to make a difference in the world is destroyed along with it. Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) made a decision to fund stem cell research. However, the research is dependent upon the destruction of human embryos. In addition, the National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC) is calling to change the current ban against federally funded embryonic research, resulting in federal funds being used to destroy even more embryos. The destruction of human embryos should be stopped, and the funding for stem cell research should be halted until a more ethical method of retrieving stem cells is implemented."
Tags: biological, biology, embryo, ethical, ethics, medical, research
Abstract This paper argues that abortion is both murder and unmoral despite legal moves taken by the United States government and the states.
From the Paper "One of the many issues that rise among us today is abortion. It is an issue that is debated constantly between pro life and pro choice. The biggest argumentative points are (1) when do we know when life starts, (2) is preventing pregnancy considered killing, and (3) what are our individual rights. "
Abstract This paper examines the controversial life and work of Margaret Sanger, and her drive to provide women with an education regarding birth control. The author discusses Sanger's views on pregnancy, contraception, and the early beginnings of planned parenthood.
From the Paper "The early twentieth century was a revolutionary turning point in American history. This was especially true regarding woman and their rights. During this time period, there was a tremendous amount of human suffering. Those who endured much of this were women. Although there were many women who made their mark on history during this time period, Margaret Sanger was among the most influential, yet controversial women of her time. Her work in creating what is today known as Planned Parenthood, and her avocations to legalize birth control, remain a controversy to this day. "
Tags: medicine, parenthood, planned, studies, women, abortion, new, york
Abstract This argumentative paper explains the points of view pro and con of distributing condoms in public schools. It explains the needs to prevent STD's and AIDS vs. the possible promotion of sex via the school system.
From the Paper "Living with the fear of an irresponsible teenager that could become pregnant or acquired a STD is something that too many parents are doing in our times. With the millions that die every year from AIDS alone is enough to scare most parents. That doesn't even include the millions that acquire the hundreds of other STD's that are out there. The problem for the parent is not how to stop and cure these diseases or how to slow society from the skyrocketing amount of teenage pregnancies, but it is how to prevent their children from falling into this. It is common knowledge that the use of condoms greatly prevents or eliminates the spread of diseases and pregnancy. That is not the controversy. The controversy is who becomes responsible for teaching and distributing these much-needed condoms to the unprotected teenagers. By the time a child is in High School the parents have given the school system the right to educate and protect there children for over a decade, there is no need for this to end over something a life protecting as condoms. "
Abstract This paper looks at the ramifications of the 1998 breakthrough in biotechnology when scientists were able to first isolate individual stem cells. The author looks at the history of biotechnology that led up to this breakthrough,and what this breakthrough means for modern science. It examines the bio-ethical issues that are affected by this breakthrough. The debate surrounding the use of embryonic cells, as opposed to adult stem cells for research is detailed. The author also looks at several areas where stem cell research could improve the lives of people life-threatening genetic diseases, or spinal cord injuries.
From the Paper "These astounding cell therapies are possible because embryonic stem cells have a remarkable power to unlock the secrets of human genetics as well as heal various diseases as they are pluripotent cells, or cells that have the capacity to proliferate and give rise to almost all of the specialized cell tissues in the human body. (The exception is that stem cells are unable to form placental and other uterine tissue necessary for the creation of a total human embryo.) This means that stem cells hold the incipient or rudimentary power to develop into all the biological tissues that create human life."
This paper highlights and discusses all of the issues of stem cell research. Potential applications, angles on ethical objections and references to key opinions are made throughout this paper.
Abstract The following paper examines the isolation of human embryonic stem cells. The author attempts to discover what these cells are and why they are so important. This paper will also take a look at those people that recommend the use of other sources of stem cells for medical reasons.
From the Paper "This will potentially revolutionise medicine in the next century" (Smith, 1999)1 . The use of stem cells to develop drugs, study human development and provide a limitless supply of customised cells to replace damaged or diseased tissues, without incidence of adverse host reaction has replaced cloning as the perceived future of medical technology. The "Holy Grail" concept revolves around the knowledge that stem cells have the potential develop into any of the body's two hundred and twenty different types of specialised cells. The therapeutic promise of this is that once a stem cell has been isolated, it may reproduce endlessly in undifferentiated state and then be chemically coaxed to develop into any desired adult cell. Stem cells may eventually be used to produce tissues or entire organs specifically designed for their intended recipient. Cellular repair treatments for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as many forms of paralysis, previously irreversible autoimmune conditions, are the most exciting channel for this field of research. The potential uses of these unrestricted cells could even go as far as the generation of massive amounts of human cells (e.g. heart cells) which could be used to screen dozens of potential drugs and pick out the most promising few, without harm to human or animal life."
Tags: medicine, century, drugs, study, human, development, customized, genetics
Abstract The author shows evidence that capital punishment is a viable punishment for murder, and that by giving murderers only "life sentences", society is suffering the consequences.
From the Paper "Those who oppose capital punishment declare that no human is beyond hope, that with the right program, the most hardened criminal can be shown the error of his ways and go on to be a productive member of society. The problem with that thinking is that prisoners who commit capital crimes do not benefit from rehabilitation. Millions of dollars have been spent seeing to every possibly comfort for prisoners, and some of them live better than they did when they were on the streets."
Abstract This paper is an analysis of the many different issues and arguments that occur when the topic of physician-assisted suicide is discussed. The paper looks at some of the ethical questions raised on both sides of the debate and looks at how other countries worldwide have dealt with similar issues. he author presents arguments in support of euthanasia, including its use in cases of patients who are terminally ill, or have suddenly suffered a debilitating handicap, such as a brain or spinal cord injury that prohibits them from being able to function in society. According to the author, these patients feel that they have the right to choose when and how they will live, or die. The Oregon's "Death with Dignity Law," is an example of how one state has dealt with this pressing issue. The author argues that those who oppose this type of law fail to recognize that they are a way to prevent its reckless abuse, and therefore protect the patient.
From the Paper "Next, supporters of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide argue that individuals suffering from advanced terminal illnesses experience a total loss of quality of life due to incurable, protracted medical conditions (Humphrey). Traditional forms of suicide often concern individuals who decide to terminate their life because of short-term emotional, financial, and/or psychological difficulties. However, with euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, the difficulty which has caused an individual to consider ending his or her life, i.e., an advanced terminal illness, is not a short-term problem for which a cure or resolution exists. While numerous medical advances have been made with respect to certain diseases and illnesses such as AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease, the fact is that there is no cure in sight for any of these diseases or illnesses. Thus, it must be asked whether it is ethical or morally right to prolong an individual's life simply for the sake of life itself."
Abstract This paper outlines the slowdown in the American economy. It discusses, among other issues, the average American consumer's reaction to the increased threat of terror and lowered job stability. This paper raises the issue of the oil crisis and its implications on the American public.
From the Paper "The public demand for goods and services that seemed to be at the crux of many arguments against the reality of a recession has slowed substantially. Undeniable market declination and excruciating deficits in corporate, and even more troublesome, total industry profits have finally taken their toll on the average American. Lowered job security and renewed promises of a terrorist threat to the mainland are only a couple of the factors that have landed us in our current status which is, to say the least, not promising to those on the supply end. A decreased willingness to spend has been detrimental to the viability of formerly prime industries, particularly in neighborhoods like tech and air-travel. As if to gird those that have held fast to the validity of the notion that we have suffered a recession, the failure of widespread consumer demand to grow this quarter has perpetuated the condition of ailing stock prices, spreading unemployment and an unreliable job market."
Abstract This paper presents a close look at stem cell research. The writer examines both sides of the issue and argues that stem cell research is a positive medical breakthrough, highly beneficial to those suffering from a variety of diseases.
From the Paper "The world of medicine has grown in leaps and bounds for the last few decades. We have come very far in many areas and we are now on the threshold of exploding new developments that promise to revolutionize the industry. Stem cell research has been receiving a lot of media coverage as of late, some promoting the process, while others are against it. Stem cell research is an exciting new development that is going to be able to save lives."
Abstract The paper debates the pros and cons of the death penalty. The paper discusses the issues regarding the death penalty and presents both sides of the argument. The paper concludes that the death penalty should be used in the justice system albeit with restrictions in place. The paper lists the conditions needed to maintain the efficacy of the death penalty.
From the Paper "Those that oppose the death penalty contend that it is racist, anti-poor, condemns even innocent prisoners to death, does not deter serious crimes, and a cruel and unusual punishment. They maintain that more than 75% of those in the federal death row are non-whites (Campaign to End the Death Penalty 2002) and statistics conclusively show that the death penalty makes being Black a crime."
Tags: race, poverty, punishment, crime, human, rights
Abstract Stem cell research is considered to be the one of the most promising hopes for the cure of many previously incurable diseases. This paper looks at the advances made in this field while examining the arguments against the continuation of stem cell research. Arguments include pro-life activists, political agendas and human rights groups. The process of how stem cells are removed and used is detailed and the paper shows why this is considered controversial.
From the Paper "As long as women are willing to provide stem cells, scientists may be able to create a new life for thousands. Stem cell research has quickly made its way into the media headlines and is among one of the most controversial subjects in America today. The debate on whether or not to use stem cells for research is a scientific one, but it has also become a political question, as well."
Abstract The paper discusses the argument that has sent the world into a tailspin as to whether or not people suffering from terminal or excruciatingly painful illness have the right to take their own lives by way of physician-assisted suicide. It shows that proponents contend that what one does with one's life is of no consequence to anyone else -- that it is humane to allow someone to be relieved of constant ? if not unbearable ? discomfort. On the other hand, critics claim that the act of euthanasia is nothing more than a fabricated form of murder. The paper shows that both sides have pertinent points when it comes to understanding and assessing the conflict, but argues that euthanasia supporters have a significantly stronger argument when considering the bigger picture. The general argumentative point of this paper is that physician-assisted suicide is not only the right thing to do for someone seeking such a decision, but it is ethical and humane for a physician to abide by the patient's wish.
From the Paper "The primary focus of conflict with regard to physician-assisted suicide is whether or not it is ethically sound. To determine what is ethically sound, however, one must first define the meaning of ethics. This may appear rather simple to achieve on the outset, but one would soon find that defining such a concept is an extremely personal interpretation. There is no black and white definition of ethics, because each and every person subscribes to his or her own value system; therefore, placing a blanket definition upon the ethical implications of physician-assisted suicide is no different than doing the same with religion or politics: one size does not fit all. To ascertain the ethical nature of euthanasia is to find out what it means to the person requesting the procedure. One will find that to these people, who have suffered terribly at the hands of debilitating and terminal illnesses, the ethical attributes of physician-assisted suicide are far more forgiving than to those who stand by and ignorantly criticize."
From the Paper "This paper will argue in favor of the pro-choice point of view in the current abortion issue. A movement has recently developed in America in which members of various fundamentalist Christian and right-wing conservative groups are seeking to outlaw the practice of abortion. One such group, known as "Operation Rescue," has sought to dramatize this issue by blockading women's health and family-planning clinics. At the same time, pro-choice rallies across the United States have begun to attract hundreds of thousands of participants who want to protect women's rights to legal abortion. Indeed, the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion has been a constitutional right for women in the United States since the 1973 Supreme Court decision in the Roe v. Wade case "extended the protection of the Constitution to women's right to an abortion."."
Abstract This paper argues that, despite measures like the Brady Law and the five-day waiting period, firearms continue to play a major role in instances of both criminal and accidental violence. This paper presents studies that show easy access to guns is more likely to cause, rather than prevent, crime. The author opposes the campaign to weaken gun laws because stricter gun control laws would deny the right to own guns for protection.
From the Paper "The Glock pistol that killed Ileto is nicknamed the "pocket rocket" because of its power and small size. Since these guns are easy to conceal and carry, they often become deadly in the hands of otherwise law-abiding citizens caught up in anger, depression or other emotional instability. Like Joseph Ileto, anyone can become a target of opportunity."
