What are embryonic stem cells and why are they controversial?
However, human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research is ethically and politically controversial because it involves the destruction of human embryos. In the United States, the question of when human life begins has been highly controversial and closely linked to debates over abortion.
Why are embryonic stem cells wrong?
However, human embryonic stem cell (HESC) research is unethical since it results in the destruction of human life for research purposes. HESC research is morally wrong since it is the direct destruction of innocent human life and does not benefit the individual embryo undergoing the research (3).
Do Embryonic stem cells represent a human life?
Totipotent human embryonic stem cells, which, like the embryo, have the potential to develop into adult human beings, are also human life and have moral value. Likewise, multipotent stem cells, which can develop into several different tissues types, are not human beings and have no rights.
What is special about embryo stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells can, in theory, produce any type of tissue in large quantities. That gives scientists enough cells to complete and repeat experiments and allows them to ask questions about disease that would be impossible with other kinds of cells.
What are human embryos used for?
Embryonic stem cells. These are pluripotent (ploo-RIP-uh-tunt) stem cells, meaning they can divide into more stem cells or can become any type of cell in the body. This versatility allows embryonic stem cells to be used to regenerate or repair diseased tissue and organs.
Why do we oppose embryonic stem cell research?
Another strong set of arguments against stem cell research is that some believe that embryonic stem cell is not stable and might on a DNA level carry a possibility of genetic disorders in itself. 8. Stem cell therapy treatments have not been thoroughly studied and could result in evolvement of even more dangerous and deadly diseases still unknown to humanity.
Who opposes embryonic stem cell research?
The Church has consistently opposed research on embryonic stem cells, however. For several years now, many scientists have called for greater research on embryonic stem cells, because they believe that embryonic stem cells exhibit greater pluripotency (the ability to divide into different types of cells) than, say, adult stem cells.
Why is there so much controversy over stem cell research?
The process of isolating of human embryonic stem cells from blastocysts cause the death of the embryos. This is the main reason for the controversy. According to pro-lifers, embryo formed after the fertilization of an ovum and a spermatozoon is a human. They opposed the idea of destroying an embryo by isolating stem cells.
Why are stem cells a controversial topic?
Stem cells started off as a very controversial topic for a variety of reasons. First off, the idea of being able to heal various ailments using cells already present within our bodies seemed too good to be true. But, even more, controversial were the ethics behind the usage of stem cells.
