Stem Cell Research vs Morality
Stem Cell Research vs. Morality
On October 4, 2004, with his wife by his side, actor Christopher Reeve died of heart failure because of complications due to a spinal cord injury. Christopher Reeve believed strongly in stem cell research, and he knew that one day he would walk again, but it was not to be. If it came down to saving the life of a loved one, would people consider morality, or would he or she go against their religious convictions or moral beliefs to save a life? This is a very difficult question that many would have a tough time answering, and this paper will attempt to make answering this question easier. Stem cell research is seen as a potential life-saving breakthrough; however, it is being hindered by some religious groups who say it is immoral. Stem cells offer a possible cure for a number of illnesses like leukemia and other various forms of cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and pulmonary disease, just to name a few. The study of stem cells has become a very popular alternative, which many people see as their only chance for survival. However, morality issues raised by religious groups are an ongoing hurdle concerning the advancement of this technology. The majority of Americans are in favor of stem cell research; however, there are those who are not, based on their religious convictions and moral beliefs. As it pertains to embryonic stem cells, many Americans see research on embryos as morally wrong, and that embryonic research should not be performed for any reason. These Americans also believe that the destruction of an embryo is ending a human life because life for them begins at conception. Before looking at the social issues of the human stem cell, it is important to understand what a stem cell is, where it comes from, its uses, etc. “Adult stem cells are located in tissues throughout the body and they function as a reservoir to replace damaged or aging cells” (Jama and
On October 4, 2004, with his wife by his side, actor Christopher Reeve died of heart failure because of complications due to a spinal cord injury. Christopher Reeve believed strongly in stem cell research, and he knew that one day he would walk again, but it was not to be. If it came down to saving the life of a loved one, would people consider morality, or would he or she go against their religious convictions or moral beliefs to save a life? This is a very difficult question that many would have a tough time answering, and this paper will attempt to make answering this question easier. Stem cell research is seen as a potential life-saving breakthrough; however, it is being hindered by some religious groups who say it is immoral. Stem cells offer a possible cure for a number of illnesses like leukemia and other various forms of cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and pulmonary disease, just to name a few. The study of stem cells has become a very popular alternative, which many people see as their only chance for survival. However, morality issues raised by religious groups are an ongoing hurdle concerning the advancement of this technology. The majority of Americans are in favor of stem cell research; however, there are those who are not, based on their religious convictions and moral beliefs. As it pertains to embryonic stem cells, many Americans see research on embryos as morally wrong, and that embryonic research should not be performed for any reason. These Americans also believe that the destruction of an embryo is ending a human life because life for them begins at conception. Before looking at the social issues of the human stem cell, it is important to understand what a stem cell is, where it comes from, its uses, etc. “Adult stem cells are located in tissues throughout the body and they function as a reservoir to replace damaged or aging cells” (Jama and
References: Figure 1. Magnified Embryonic Stem Cell. (2006). Source: Wellcome Trust Medical Photographic Library. Retrieved October 4, 2009, from http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/ Figure 2. Magnified Adult Stem Cell. (2007). Source: Stem Cells Skin Deep. Copyright Paul Leonard. Retrieved October 4, 2009, from http://www.iconocast.com/ .