The Basics of Stem Cell Research: An Ethical Analysis

Stem cell research is a fascinating topic that is extremely controversial. Like many, when I first began researching, I was stuck somewhere in between supporting and being against it, but the more I read I realized that stem cell research, controversial though it may be, could save millions of lives, and change millions of others.

 

Embryonic Stem Cells

 

At first I didn’t realize that the embryonic stem cells are actually “test tube babies.” Though the idea still sickens me somewhat, it seems logical to take a life not yet even begun to save a life being lived. The eggs are being donated and so long as the women donating them are given informed consent, I don’t see why the research shouldn’t be done. It is still a little sad since those cells are essentially a living being and their life is being destroyed.

 

Fetal Stem Cells

 

Fetus stem cell research is what really gets me. I definitely think that research on these fetuses should be done, that’s not the issue. The issue is that there are so many unwanted fetuses to begin with. The fact that they are basically being thrown in the trash because they are being aborted or because IVF clinics can’t use them is really sickening. In this case, since there can be no stopping the discarding of these fetuses, they may as well be used to save the lives of others.

 

Those who oppose stem cell research on fetuses should, in my opinion, stand back and look at the bigger picture. These babies (since that is what they are, essentially) are being thrown in the trash for millions of reasons. They aren’t wanted and there is no way to stop that since you can’t make someone want them, so why not let the sacrifice be a positive one. Their life was ended before it had even begun, but the research conducted could save millions of other lives.

 

Adult Stem Cells

 

From what I’ve found in my research, adult stem cells can be beneficial, but not as nearly as embryonic or fetal stem cells. Apparently the human body has over 220 different types of cells and embryonic and fetus cells match all 220 of them.  Adult stem cells only match a limited number and because they are usually already a certain type of cell, there is always the risk of graft vs. host. Embryonic stem cells are completely undifferentiated and can be used for any organ, making them the most beneficial.

 

What Would You Do?

 

As I said before, I’ve previously read about stem cell research and thought it was amazing but felt that destroying the lives of unborn babies was unethical in every way. However, when I thought about it from a different perspective, I became somewhat of a hypocrite.

 

I wondered how I might react if my husband or I was diagnosed with a terminal illness or if one of us suffered a spinal injury that changed our entire life. If I were to find out that I was pregnant and it was early enough to extract the embryonic cells, I truly believe I would do it.

 

It wouldn’t be easy or without emotion, but I believe that is the decision I would make. Honestly, I think that even those firmly set against stem cell research would make the same choice if it came down to their own or a loved one’s life or death.

 

Where We Stand

 

Stem cell research really can change so many things in the medical world and is definitely something that the government should be funding. That would be money put to good use-life saving money. That’s why it’s great that President Obama, in March of 2009 lifted the policy implemented by Bush and is now allowing for government funding of stem cell research, which is a great start.

 

It has also been proposed that if proper funding were issued, there may be ways to extract stem cells without destroying life- what better place to be investing funds? That would take the majority of the controversy out of the issue.

 

After the research I have done and the information I have gathered, I firmly believe that one day stem cells will be a regular practice, not a controversial theory being researched; it will change the way the world views cancer and disease.