In our current state of modern science, there is widespread controversy over the use of human embryonic stem cells. The human embryonic stem cell research is controversial because it requires the destruction of a human embryo. There is great belief that this research should be pursued because the resulting treatments that would follow could significantly improves the lives of many. The opponents of this research believe the destruction of these embryos is unethical because it is a soul or potential human being that’s being destroyed. This poses two questions: One, does the potential of becoming a human being warrant equal rights as an actual human being? Two, do the potential negatives of this research outweigh the possible benefits? These two questions will be pursued on both sides of the spectrum as they are discussed further.
The live saving potential that stem-cell research presents far outweighs any of the supposed negative reasoning against it. Embryonic stem cells are a very useful for cellular therapies to treat a wide range of diseases. This is because they have the capability to grow indefinitely in a laboratory setting and are undifferentiated allowing them to be fashioned into any type of body tissue. The use of these cells in a variety of cell-based therapies offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat diseases including diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, burn spinal cord injury, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. The potential to dramatically alter approaches and understanding of disease treatment in order to alleviate suffering should not be overlooked. This use of new technology stemming from stem cell research could revolutionize the way we approach medicine.
The reasoning of opponents against stem-cell research is unsound and should not restrict the capabilities of this science. The proposed uses of embryos are not that of a fully...