Stem Cell Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Stem Cell Research - Essay Example Most criticized is research involving human embryonic stem cells. Most opposition on stem cell research is mainly on moral and religious issues. Most controversies on stem cell research exist, attributed to myths and misconceptions regarding stem cell research. Misconceptions are arising due to the biased nature of reporting from the media as well as error that result especially when reporters are not conversant with facts on stem cell research. This paper is in favor of stem cell research due to the reasons listed below. The important role it will play in cancer treatment, regenerative medicine, repair of destroyed organs, in cure of killer diseases such as leukemia, Alzheimer’s, diabetes treatment, correction of developmental problems in humans even prior to birth, production of clones that could be used for organ harvesting and carrying out drug tests. As opposed to what most critic of stem cell research believes, blastocysts are not human beings thus their destruction does not constitute to killing. Scientifically, an embryo is not human until it is at least two weeks old, at least until the nervous system becomes evident (Mummery and Guido 672-673). In addition, the potential medical benefit from stem cell research is of greater importance compared to moral concerns raised about the embryo. With support and funds from the government, more talented scientist would be willing to get into stem cell research hence accelerate research. This will also enable the government to monitor embryonic research as compared to the privatized research (Mummery and Guido 672-673). In such cases, the government can ensure researchers carry out embryonic stem cell responsibly. Most people opposed to embryonic stem cell research claim that it is without the embryo’s consent. However, the same people are not opposed to organ transplant in children, which only requires parental consent. Embryonic stem cell research should therefore require only the consent of the d onor of the embryo since it is not different from organ donation involving children. In addition, it offers the opportunity to extend life or improve life just like in the case of the less opposed pediatric organ transplant (NIH Stem Cell Information 7; Jones, Byrne 75). Both the researcher and those oppose to stem cell research agree that stem cell research could be a possible solution to many diseases. The conflict is on the source and means of obtaining the stem cells. The argument that humans not be subjects for experimentation does not add up. Humans as well as human tissue act as specimens for experiments since time immemorial in both education and carrying out trial tests (Mummery and Guido 672). For example, all doctors have to dissect human cadaver as part of their medical training. In addition, the success in human organ transplant was only possible after several tests and experiments involving human subjects. Drug trials carried out all the time involve using human subjec ts. The issues discussed above have received little or no objection, yet they involve experimentation with human body just like in case of stem cell research (Mummery and Guido 672-678). From this, it is obvious that success in human medicine is not possible without taking the risk of involving human subject to carry out research. Considering abortion is legal