Bioethics-Stem CellsBesides cloning, stem cells are probably the topic under most debate. The United State's stance against stem cells and the research seems to be unwavering. Much of the public is not educated, mortified by the idea that you would take some cells that have the potential to become a human and experiment with them. They believe stem cells to be an embryo, and an embryo to be a human. For a detailed explanation of stem cells, click here. DetailsThere are many types of stem cells: the embryo and adult stem cells. Embryos are the tiny cluster of cells that differentiate to develop into a human. Adult stems cells are cells that can differentiate into other cells, usually specific to a few types. For example, the bone marrow contains stem cells to make blood. It is possible to take an adult stem cell and manipulate it to become a cluster of cells that have the properties of an embryo. These cells can differentiate into a wider variety of cells than the original adult stem cell, but are not embryos. All these cells have great potential to cure a variety of diseases. For example, the cells could become neurons and replace neurons lost in an individual due to Alzheimer’s. Yet there is still controversy, and most are not sure what stance to take in this delicate issue. Indeed, the delicacy comes from the embryo, most would not have a problem with adult stem cells. It is not clear what rights the embryo has. Do you define a human to be an embryo? There are definitions on a fetus and what rights it has, but not those of embryos. Many ask the question of whether we should be experimenting with a potential human at all. There are many debates in the scientific community as to the procedures that are acceptable. Obviously research should not cease, but questions on the ethics must be examined carefully. Additional Resources and LinksReferencesThe President's Council on Bioethics. (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2004, from http://bioethics.gov |