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Introduction

For years, the focus of stem cell research has hit the center of the media with expert arguments on both sides of this controversial topic. Stem cells have been on the map as the link to possibly curing life threatening and life altering diseases by hopes of manipulating cells to become any cells of desirable quality. This advancement could cure any disease or illnesses ranging from mental disabilities to cancer. With, significant resources and efforts going into the research, many argue that the millions of funds going toward stem cell research can assist other social and economic sectors that require financial help. Millions of dollars have been directed towards stem cell research in hope to better human future, but with these biological advances in science, researchers argue to lengths with regard to the relative moral concerns.

In his review, Phillips defined stem cells as cells that are found in the multi cellular organisms and those that are capable of renewing themselves through a process of mitotic cell division and differentiating into diverse range of specialized cell types (1). He spelt out that there are two broad types of mammalian stem cells; embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Scientific evidence ascertains that stem cells have various functions in both the adult and the developing embryo. In the developing embryo, the cells have the ability to differentiate into various embryonic tissues which aid in the development of the same.

Embryonic cell systems are cells derived from the tissue of the cell of an earlier stage embryo approximately four to five days old and it consists of fifty to a hundred and fifty cells.

Differentiating embryonic cells into usable cells while avoiding transplant rejections are just a few of the hurdles that embryonic stem cell researchers still face. Because of their combined abilities of unlimited expansion and pluripotensy, these cells remain a theoretically potential source for regenerative medicine and tissue replacement after injury or disease.

From a moral standpoint, the procedure has raised different ethical as well as scientific issues. (New York Times, 1). While conventional studies argue that the technology is essential in eliminating pain and saving the lives at risk, some maintain that the process undermines the welfare of other individuals. However, a significant percentage of the populations justifies its use and believes that the rewards are worthwhile. Persons advocating for this technology tend to derive their view points from the moral standing that indicates that since the embryos lack the capacity to feel pain and suffering, they should not be treated as humans. In other words, the conception of pain and suffering plays a primal role in determining the status of these individuals in the society. Furthermore, they cite that according the embryos the fundamental moral status can undermine the application of different fertility programs. Presumably, this can have diverse social, economic and psychological impacts that can threaten the harmonic functioning of the entire society (Reaves1)

From a religious point of view, pro arguments ascertain that a fertilized egg that is living in isolation cannot be considered a moral being. As such, it needs not be treated as a normal human being. It is in this regard that they perceive the procedure to be morally acceptable as it enhances holistic human wellbeing through perpetuating a great degree of happiness.

In the life of an adult, the stem cells act as the repair systems of the body, replenishing specialized cells while maintaining the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin or intestinal tissues. In his research Bohlin indicates that this occurs because the cell has the property to divide and create another cell like itself and also divide and create a cell more differentiated than it (1). This cell types are known as somatic and they are found in both adults and children.

Scientists such as Steenblock show that most adult stem cells are lineage-restricted and are generally referred to by their tissue origin, adipose, derived stem cell (1). It is further contended that stem cells have been successfully used for many years to treat leukemia and related bone/blood cancers through bone marrow transplants. Further, mature stem cells are employed in treatment of tendons and ligament related infections in horses and cattle. In his consultative review, Forman ascertains that the use of adult stem cells is not controversial as the embryonic plant cells because it does not involve the destruction of an embryo and also because in some instances it can be obtained from the intended recipient (3).

The advantages of using cell stem research are wide and varied. To begin with, the procedure provides for medical benefits in the field of therapeutic cloning and regenerative medicine, Rosenthal cited that it also provides great potential for discovering treatment and cures to a plethora of diseases including different kinds of cancer and parkinson’s disease amongst others (1). Besides treatment of diseases, stem cloning provides for a means by which limbs and organs could be grown in a lab from stem cells and then used in transplants. Scientists and doctors would also derive huge benefits from this as they would be able to test millions of potential drugs and medicine, without the use of animals or human testers. This will necessitate a process of stimulating the effect the drug has on a specific population of cells. It is instrumental as it would ascertain if the drug is useful or has any problems.

In her speech at Virgin Health Bank, Rosenthal quoted that stem cell research also benefits the study of development stages that cannot be studied directly in a human embryo. Notably, this is sometimes linked to major clinical consequences such as birth defects, pregnancies loss and infertility (1). Arguably, a more comprehensive understanding of normal development would ultimately allow the prevention or treatment of abnormal human development. This technology has also been accredited for eliminating the implications of aging and enhancing the quality of human life. This is attained through the enhancement and prolonging of one’s life. Stem cell research has already initiated a host of treatments that help slow the aging process, and a bonus of further stem cell research is a possible ‘cure’ for aging altogether.

An advantage of the usage of adult stem cells to treat disease as cited by Kinsley is that a patient’s own cells could be used to treat a patient (1). Risks could be reduced significantly because patient bodies would not reject their own cells. Finally, embryonic stem cells can develop into any cells of the body, and may then be more versatile than adult stem cells.

Basically, scientific research contends that Umbilical cord blood shows promise for Adults. The disadvantage of using embryonic stem cells is that it involves that destruction of blastocytes formed from laboratory-fertilized human eggs. From an ethical view point, Bohlin believes that life begins at conception and therefore the blastocyte is a human life and destroying it is immoral and unacceptable (1).

Considering the fact that it is a new form of technology, the extent of the implications to the society is not conclusive. Nonetheless, emergent research ascertains that embryonic stem cells may also not be a solution for all animals. According to New York Times, stem cell therapy is effective in treating cardiac related complications (1). In particular, this has the ability to make coronary arteries become narrower.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ensuing debate has prompted authorities around the world to seek regulatory frameworks and highlighted the fact that stem cell research represents a social and ethical challenge. The recent development of stem cell technology has been called a bypass of the legal controversy. Laws limiting the destruction of human embryos have been credited for being the reason for development of the stem cells, but they are less efficient and reliable than natural cells. Different approaches are currently being developed in a bit to address the problems through elimination of mutations. The relative moral controversies have also raised varied concerns with regard to employment of technology for vital functions.

Works cited

Chan, Sewell. “Saving Blood Cells from Umbilical Cords.” New York Times Company (2007), Retrieved 12th April 2010, from: <http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/06/22/saving-blood-cells-from-umbilical-cords/?scp=2&sq=umbilical%20cord%20stem%20cells&st=cse>.

Forman, Lillian. Stem Cell Research. Edina, Minn: ABDO , 2008. 112. Print.

Jennifer Reaves. Debate over Stem Cell Research. Retrieved 25th April, 2010, from: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,167245,00.html

Michael, Kingsley. The Controversies of Stem Cells. Retrieved 25th April, 2010, from: HYPERLINK “http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101040531-641157,00.html” http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101040531-641157,00.html

New York Times.”In Studies, Umbilical Cord Blood Shows Promise for Adults .” New York Times Company (2004 ), Accessed 11th April, 2010, from: <http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9407EED6153EF935A15752C1A9629C8B63>.

Ray, Bohlin. Stem Cell Controversies. Retrieved, 22nd April, 2010 from: HYPERLINK “http://www.leaderu.com/science/stemcellresearch.html” http://www.leaderu.com/science/stemcellresearch.html

Rosenthal, Elisabeth. “At Virgin Health Bank, parents can store babies.” NewYork Times Company (2007). Retrieved 11th April, 2010, from: <ttp://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/03/world/europe/03iht-stem.4.5130301.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=umbilical%20stem%20cells&st=cse>.

Steenblock, David, and Anthony G Payne. Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health publication, 2006. 178. Print.

Stolberg, Sheryl Gay. “Obama Lifts Bush’s Strict Limits on Stem Cell Research.” New York Times Company (2009). Retrieved 13th April, 2010 from: <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/us/politics/10stem.html?scp=9&sq=umbilical%20cord%20stem%20cells&st=cse>.

Thererssa, Phillips. Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research. Retrieved 22nd April, 2010 from: HYPERLINK “http://biotech.about.com/od/bioethics/i/issuestemcells.htm” http://biotech.about.com/od/bioethics/i/issuestemcells.htm