The Debate Of Stem Cell Research - 1660 Words

The Great Stem Cell Debate In 1998, President Bill Clinton issued a National Bioethics Advisory Commission to begin to study the question of stem cell research (Stem Cells Fast Facts). Since then many advances have been made and stem cells have been used to aid in the alleviation of several medical conditions such as macular degeneration, bone marrow deficiencies, and growing new sheets of new skin for burn victims (Hug). Even though there is much stigma surrounding stem cell research, the medical benefits far outweigh the cons of it. One of the main kinds of stem cells use in this research are embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are obtained from embryos that develop from eggs that have been fertilized in vitro (Stem Cell†¦show more content†¦For those who believe the human embryo deserves some measure of respect, but disagree that the respect due should equal that given to a fully formed human, it could be considered immoral not to use embryos that would otherwise be destroyed to develop pote ntial cures for disease affecting millions of people. An additional concern related to public policy is whether federal funds should be used for research that some Americans find unethical. (Hanna) Where someone stands on the definition of a human is where they stand on stem cell research. 68% of Americans support stem cell research yet the other 32% are pausing the progress (14 Noteworthy Embryonic). More here Embryonic stem cells are just one type of stem cells. The second most popular type is adult stem cells. This kind of cell is usually found in much smaller numbers and are found in most adult tissues like bone marrow or fat (Stem cells: what are). When it comes to what they can be used for, adult stem cells are far less diverse. An adult stem cell is considered to be multipotent, meaning it can develop into a different cell type, but it is more limited than a pluripotent embryonic stem cell (What is the Difference). Not only are they harder to differentiate, but they are also harder to find (Stem Cell Basics). Adult stem cells are rare in the mature tissue of an adult and, therefore, harder to isolate and obtain (Stem Cell Basics). Most cell replacement therapies require stem cells