The Stem Cell Research Debate

Paper Summary:

The paper explains the perspective of proponents who argue that it is justifiable to modify or destroy certain discarded embryos in the pursuit of cures to relieve humanity of dreaded and deadly diseases. The paper contrasts this to the perspective of opponents who believe that the early embryo is a human being and that there is no justification to engage in research that destroys human life. The paper notes that the debate on embryonic stem cell research is relatively new and as research on stem cell progresses, new ethical, political and moral issues are likely to emerge.

From the Paper:

"Embryonic stem (ES) cells are blank unspecialized cells that are pluripotent and can differentiate into any somatic cell type while retaining the ability to proliferate. ES cells have the capabilities to self-renew for an extended time due to cell division and when under certain physiological conditions can be induced to become special functioning cells. ES cells in developing tissues give rise to multiple specialized cell types that make up the heart, lung, skin and other tissues. Embryonic stem cell research is a rapid developing scientific field however, there are political, ethical, legal and scientific concerns surrounding this issue creating challenges for regulatory bodies, policy makers and scientists as they traverse their way through a tangled web of regulations and moral proselytizing (Weed, 2004)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bevilacqua, A. (2000). Ways needed to treat diseases that do not devalue life. Origins, 195-203. Center for Biblical Bioethics. (1999). A pro-life assessment of stem cell research. Biblical Bioethics Advisor, 1-4.
• Devolder, K. (2005). Human embryonic stem cell research: why the discarded-created-distinction cannot be based on the potentiality argument. Bioethics, 167-186.
• Edwards, S.D., & McNamee, M.J. (2005). Ethical concerns regarding guidelines for the conduct of clinical research on children. Journal of Medical Ethics, 351-354.
• Faden, R., & Gearhart, J.D. (2004, August 23). Facts on stem cells. The Washington Post, A15.
• Fischbach, G.D., & Fischbach, R.L. (2004). Stem Cells: Science, Policy, and Ethics. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 1364-1370

More papers on The Stem Cell Research Debate:

• Argumentative Essay # 91066 : "The Stem Cell Research Debate"
• Analytical Essay # 134076 : "The Stem-Cell Research Issue"
• Research Proposal # 125712 : "Stem Cell Research"

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