Morality of using animal in stem cell research
Every research is guided by values and in stem cell research responsibility and sensitivity to ethical values are the guiding principles that must be adhered to. Some of the beneficiaries of the stem cell research are the Alzheimer’s disease and dementia which have become a key focus for researchers who are trying to establish how dementia affects the normal functioning of the brain. There is also evidence of Parkinson’s patients benefiting from stem cell research. Also the IVF project is a result of the stem cell research.
The research is undertaken under the following scientific and ethic guidelines as outlined in the guidelines for human embryonic stem cell research: First and foremost the researcher should ensure that there is consent of use from the animals mostly if it is human beings a signed consent is mandatory. The researchers should also set up networks for sharing data, materials and intellectual property as peer pressure has been proved to be very effective in this. A global cell stem registry and database should thereafter developed this would require sourcing for funding and if funds are not available the researcher should engage in self financing and thereafter from the findings of the research they can registered it as intellectual property and recover back the money invested.
The first step in producing therapeutic cells is cell division, and then the researcher should not differentiate the cells to ensure that the cell does not have a specific body function, the cells usually have the ability to re-produce and thus ensuring constant replacement of the cells. They thus, regenerate through life and this way the therapeutic cells e.g. insulin are produced. Stem cell has generally been viewed as unethical and the debate about their legality they are acceptable by people who have benefited from them.
References
Lawrence S.B. Goldstein, M. S. (2010). Stem Cells For Dummies. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons.
Vogel, G. (2011). Stem Cell Research Guidelines: How Scientists Can Play Nice. Women In Science.
