The Stem Cell Controversy

Paper Summary:

This paper begins with a description of the process for creating and harvesting human embryonic stem cells and then explains why this process is so disturbing to most people and thus serves as the foundation for their opposition to the procedure. The paper then discusses the many ways that human embryonic stem cells could be used to cure a variety of painful and life-threatening illnesses such as leukemia, immune deficiencies and diabetes. Next, the paper discusses the objections to the use of stem cells that are based on religious viewpoints and opinions, as well as the legal and ethical issues regarding the use of stem cells. The paper concludes that when one considers that embryonic stem cell research may result in curing forever diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, the ethical and religious concerns of the opposition melt away and thus open the proverbial door to a future without pain and suffering and to a longer and healthier lifespan.

From the Paper:

"In August of 2001, President Bush responded to the debate behind this bill on national television. At the start of his speech to the American viewing public, Bush points out that he is about to discuss "a complex and difficult issue. . . one of the most profound of our time," being the controversy over medical research involving stem cells taken from human embryos. Bush then mentions that this issue "is debated within the church, with people of different faiths" with even many "of the same faith coming to different conclusions." Obviously, most of the debate behind using stem cells from human embryos is based upon religious viewpoints and opposition, due to the fact that the dissenters believe that human life begins with the creation of a fertilized egg known as conception. Bush adds that most of these dissenters "are finding that the more they know about stem cell research, the less certain they are about the right ethical and moral conclusions" . However, Bush also adds that based on some privately-funded research, scientists believe that "further research using stem cells offers great promise" for the future in relation to improving if not curing many common disease like Alzheimer's, juvenile diabetes, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Holland, Suzanne, ed., et al. The Human Embryonic Stem Cell Debate: Science, Ethics and Public Policy. Boston: MIT Press, 2001.
• Kiessling, Ann and Scott Anderson. Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett, 2003.
• Peter, Ted. The Stem Cell Debate. UK: Fortress Press, 2007.
• "President Discusses Stem Cell Research." The White House. Internet. August 9, 2001.Retrieved July 30, 2008 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/08/20010809-2.html.
• Ruse, Michael. The Stem Cell Controversy: Debating the Issues. New York: Prometheus Press, 2006.

More papers on The Stem Cell Controversy:

• Argumentative Essay # 17108 : "The Stem Cell Controversy"
• Analytical Essay # 4952 : "Stem Cell Controversy"
• Argumentative Essay # 120004 : "The Stem Cell - Abortion Link and Controversy"

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