INTRODUCTION
Stem Cell research is one of the most heatedly debated topics in the United States. Stem cells may have capabilities that would seem like science fiction for many people. Most people have heard the term “stem cell,” but many are not exactly sure what they are. A stem cell is defined as relatively undifferentiated cells that will divide creating at least one daughter cell of the two retain the undifferentiated characteristics. This process of self renewal allows for to a number of cells that can be differentiated into whatever cells one may need; for example if a patient has damaged organs, stem cells could be used to reinstate or regenerate tissues needed (Gilbert, 2014). There are many people who are completely opposed into the United States at even the hint of legally allowing the research in this field, while there are others who argue that stem cell research could revolutionize medicine and save lives and improve the quality of life for people all across the globe.
DISCUSSION
The greatest ethical dilemma regarding stem cell research is where the experimental stem cells would be harvested from. The richest source of stem cells is in the tissues of aborted fetal tissue. That being said many feel that it is unethical because it may violate the rights of the aborted fetuses, dependent on ones views regarding abortion. However, there are other places that contain stem cells in the human body, in both young and old. If stem cell research was fully embraced the researchers may be able to move beyond the need for fetal tissue stem cells; as the understanding and technologies improves there may be many ways to harvest the necessary cells. Many worry that by allowing stem cell research it could contribute to the development of abortions for the sake of science, or underground abortions where woman are paid to abort the fetus for research. There are others who are adamant that allowing this kind of research could lead to the growing of human body parts or the cloning of human beings. These fears and sentiments are shared by many people all over the world. Despite the ethical concerns of some, there are many who embrace the contributions it could have for people suffering from many diseases and conditions that, today, are far more lethal; but in the future they may be more commonplace. The reality is that stem cell research has so many possibilities and potential applications within the realms of science and medicine, it may, in fact, be the “wave of the future” (Gilbert, 2014).
CONCLUSION
Stem cell research has been an argued topic for the better part of the last two decades. Each side of the ethical issue presents their position and they are not finding much in the way of compromise. Too many people are very preoccupied with the issues with the source of stem cells and not with the plethora of applications it may possess and the good it can do. Again, once the researchers are able to better understand the potential of stem cells they may find a far less controversial source of stem cells. That being said there is a lot of possibility in stem cell research, but it will likely remain a topic of considerable debate and argument for some time to come.
REFERENCES
Gilbert, S. F. (2014). Developmental Biology (10th ed.) Sunderland, MA: Sinaur Associates, Inc.
