Stem Cell Research: Just a Bad Idea
Jade Chun
Dvorak
English 102
24 November, 2006
Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Just a Bad Idea
Embryonic stem cell research has been an issue of great controversy ever since it began. In 1998 a group of scientists led by Dr. James Thompson at the University of Wisconsin developed a way to isolate and grow stem cells in order to do research (Stem Cell Basics). Many studies have shown that success in embryonic stem cell research could lead to therapies that could prevent and cure various life threatening and crippling ailments. Genetic disorders, as well as congenital defects could possibly be prevented. Spinal cord injuries, Parkinson 's disease, Alzheimer 's and other ailments might be treated and even cured. There has never been an argument that this research may have a potential to help in the advancement of modern medicine, but in order for this to be possible extensive amounts of research must be conducted and sacrifices must be made. Although there is no doubt that certain diseases could be treated if this therapy is successful, there are contrasting viewpoints concerning the issue. Currently, scientists all over the nation are struggling to gain clearance to experiment with embryonic stem cells. On one side arguers say that embryonic stem cell research is morally acceptable because any therapy that can lead to curing serious diseases is beneficial to the common good. They argue that embryonic stem cells are not yet individuals therefore they have no soul and no rights to speak of. Even the arguers that believe stem cells could possibly be considered individuals, would say that such a small sacrifice would be worth the advances at stake. They say that if such a leap can be made in medicine, then it is the scientists ' and doctors ' duty to do everything in their power to make people well. Advocates of stem cell research would argue that it would be unethical not to proceed with this research. For every advocate of stem cell research there is an
Dvorak
English 102
24 November, 2006
Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Just a Bad Idea
Embryonic stem cell research has been an issue of great controversy ever since it began. In 1998 a group of scientists led by Dr. James Thompson at the University of Wisconsin developed a way to isolate and grow stem cells in order to do research (Stem Cell Basics). Many studies have shown that success in embryonic stem cell research could lead to therapies that could prevent and cure various life threatening and crippling ailments. Genetic disorders, as well as congenital defects could possibly be prevented. Spinal cord injuries, Parkinson 's disease, Alzheimer 's and other ailments might be treated and even cured. There has never been an argument that this research may have a potential to help in the advancement of modern medicine, but in order for this to be possible extensive amounts of research must be conducted and sacrifices must be made. Although there is no doubt that certain diseases could be treated if this therapy is successful, there are contrasting viewpoints concerning the issue. Currently, scientists all over the nation are struggling to gain clearance to experiment with embryonic stem cells. On one side arguers say that embryonic stem cell research is morally acceptable because any therapy that can lead to curing serious diseases is beneficial to the common good. They argue that embryonic stem cells are not yet individuals therefore they have no soul and no rights to speak of. Even the arguers that believe stem cells could possibly be considered individuals, would say that such a small sacrifice would be worth the advances at stake. They say that if such a leap can be made in medicine, then it is the scientists ' and doctors ' duty to do everything in their power to make people well. Advocates of stem cell research would argue that it would be unethical not to proceed with this research. For every advocate of stem cell research there is an
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