The Controversy Surrounding the Use of Embryonic Stem Cells in Medical Research
Introduction
Embryonic stem cells have the potential to revolutionize the field of medical research and treatment by providing a renewable source of specialized cells that can be used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions. However, the use of embryonic stem cells is a highly controversial topic that raises ethical, moral, and political concerns.
Society's Control Over the Use of Embryonic Stem Cells
By manipulation, these stem cells may be made to specialize into particular cell types, such as heart muscle cells, blood cells, or brain cells. The person can then get the implanted specialist cells. The cells could be injected into the heart muscle, for instance, if the patient has cardiac problems. This process opens up numerous possibilities for medical treatments and research.
Using stem cells for research allows scientists to study how diseases spread and develop new treatments. They can also test novel medications on tissues made of stem cells. Additionally, stem cell therapy offers the potential to replace or repair damaged tissues, including heart muscle or nerves.
Ethical Concerns
Despite the potential benefits of using embryonic stem cells in medical research, there are significant ethical concerns surrounding their use. Obtaining stem cells involves the destruction of the blastocyst, an unimplanted human embryo during the sixth to eighth day of development. This destruction raises ethical questions about the sanctity of human life and the rights of the embryo.
Opponents of embryonic stem cell research argue that the study is immoral and should not be supported or funded by the government. Former President Bush famously rejected a stem cell measure, citing concerns about the sanctity of human life and the ethical implications of using embryonic stem cells in research.
Conclusion
The use of embryonic stem cells in medical research raises complex ethical and moral questions that society must grapple with. While the potential benefits of stem cell therapy are vast, the destruction of human embryos remains a significant barrier to widespread acceptance and support. As research continues and new technologies emerge, it is essential that society carefully considers the ethical implications of using embryonic stem cells in medical research.
Describe how society controls the use of embryonic stem cells in medical research.
By manipulating embryonic stem cells to specialize into specific cell types, researchers can create specialized cells that can be used to treat various medical conditions. This process allows for treatments such as injecting specialized cells into heart muscle to address cardiac issues, conducting research on disease progression, testing new medications on stem cell tissues, and replacing or repairing damaged tissues like heart muscle or nerves. However, the ethical dilemma arises from the destruction of human embryos during the process, leading to opposition and debates on the morality and funding of such research.