Brown

Mackenzie Brown
Professor Zawilski
RC 2001-410
16 November 2015
Stem Cell Research: Controversy or Misunderstanding?
While stem cell research has given many the ability to recover from serious
injuries, it has been the upcoming topic of many controversial debates over the past
couple of years. Stem cells are cells found within different sections of the human body
that can rapidly make copies of themselves, and can differentiate or develop into more
specialized cells. Because of this ability, these cells are commonly used to replace those
that die throughout the process of life, or those that are lost in an injury. The dense
controversy over stem cell research can be fully understood through identifying the
controversial problem itself, exploring some myths involving the research, and by
looking at the ways in which the controversy could be eliminated.
The uprising use of stem cell research has caused a synonymous rise in the
amount of controversy associated with it. This controversy is strongly focused on the
ethics of the research involving the development, usage, and destruction of human
embryos. Understanding the beginning of human embryonic stem cell formation is key to
understanding the controversy of this research. In fertilization research departments, a
mans sperm and a womans eggs are externally mixed together in a lab dish. Some of the
eggs will become fertilized, while others will not. After about five days, a biastocyst is
formed by the division of the egg into a hallow ball of roughly 100 cells. These embryos
are then implanted into a woman in hopes of impregnating her. Those biastocysts not

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implanted into the woman are stored in an IVE freezer, where researchers must decide
their fate. Four common fates include; continuing to pay to store the embryos (which can
be very expensive), defrost/destroy the embryos, donate the embryos for adoption, which
is extremely rare, or choose to donate the embryos for research. Those donated become
the basis for stem cell research. Research departments may collect these cells from a
couple that decides against implanting certain cells because the cells may carry genetic
mutations (CIRM). In other words, some forms of stem cells originate from embryonic
cells, which is the main point of controversy in this research. According to Californias
Stem Cell Agency, No human embryonic stem cell lines can be created without explicit
consent for the donor.
The main controversy over this research and the process of collecting the cells
coincides strongly with the life controversy. In other words, the controversy over when an
embryo develops into a living thing. Some believe these embryos, even only 5 days old,
are considered a living life form. In the United States, Republicans have proposed
legislation that would define a zygote as a human, stating, the term person or persons
shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning, or functional
equivalent therof (LaBossiere). In his blog, LaBossiere states that a zygote has all the
qualities to be considered human in that it is alive, and has the entire DNA needed to be
considered a human. However, he believes that cells such as an amoeba and almost any
other cell in the body also have these qualifications.
On the other hand, stem cell researchers have shared other areas in the body
where these cells can be collected from, while explaining the importance of embryonic
stem cells in relation to these other cells. Stem cells include other sources such as adult

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stem cells, amniotic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. These cells can
additionally be collected from umbilical cords, breast milk and bone marrow. While adult
stem cells are considered extremely valuable and have great potential for future therapies,
they are restricted in what they can do. Embryonic stem cells can be formed into virtually
any cell type in the body, while adult stem cells cannot (A Close Look at Stem Cells).
This adds to the importance of embryonic stem cells.
In addition to the increasing amount of controversy over this research comes the
increasing amount of myths associated with it. As mentioned above, one of the major
myths regarding stem cell research is that stem cells can only be collected from
embryonic cells. We know this to not be true as these cells can also be collected from
other areas of the body including organs such as bone marrow, fat removed from
liposuction, regions of the nose, and interestingly enough, cadavers up to 20 hours after
death (Pacholczyk). Many also believe stem cell research is against the law; however, in
this day and age, there are no federal laws restricting the destruction of human embryos
for further research. In fact, many of our presidents have funded this research and
continue to. According to Rev. Pacholczyk, President George W. Bush was the first
president to allow federal funding for the limited research on human embryonic stem
cells. Our current President, Barack Obama, has continued this funding.
On the opposing side, some myths suggest that it is morally acceptable to dispose
of these embryos considering they will someday be destroyed anyways. This is major
theme in the controversy against stem cell research. Rev. Pacholczyk includes a very
good example of this myth in his publication, The Ten Great Myths in the Debate Over
Stem Cell Research. In his publication, Pacholczyk describes a scenario with which

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miners are trapped below in a mine collapse, something they had no control over.
Knowing these miners would most likely die anyways, it would not make it morally
acceptable to collect their organs to further science and individuals who made be in need
of them. This example allows us to see further into the big theme of stem cell controversy
and ask important questions ourselves. Do we see this example different than the
destruction of embryonic stem cells because we can visually see the human being harmed
to further science?
In order to stop this controversy, we must first determine if the problem with stem
cell research is focused solely on the destruction of human embryos. If this is the only
problem many individuals have with the research, a simple solution is to eliminate this
form and focus on the numerous other areas where they may be collected from. In
opposition to embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells are believed to be less likely to
initiate rejection after transplantation (NIH). Additionally, just as surgeons can take
ligaments from other parts of the body to fix another area, stem cells can be taken from
different areas of the body to aid in the recovery of the individual. In other words, stem
cells can be taken from tissues in the body, such as the nose, and used in other parts of the
same individuals body. This shows yet another positive of adult stem cell research and a
way some controversy could be dealt with. Stem cells do not necessarily have to come
from an outside source, since our bodies have the ability to use and accept its own
resources.
Stem cell research is an important tool that has benefited the lives of many in
todays society. As an individual personally affected by stem cell research, I can speak for
its importance and success. For those born with defects in their bones, or other places in

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their bodies, these stem cells play a major role in the road to recovery. Born with several
knee problems, holes were created in my kneecap during surgery, which allowed the
emergence of stem cells to regenerate missing tissue and help regain stability in my knee.
The stem cells used in my knee were those taken from my own body, which provides
strong evidence that human embryonic stem cells are not the only successful form of this
research. The growing research on stem cells has provided rehabilitation and hope to
many who have grown with disabilities. Most of the stem cells used in patients, as well as
myself, were those from our own bodies.

However, I also understand elements of it that may seem inhumane to others. The
controversy of stem cell research and the use of embryonic cells is a heavy subject that
may never find a definitive resolution due to the pro-life controversies. In order to
progress in this research, we must find a way to utilize cells, such as those found in nose
regions or cadavers, that do not harm potential life.

California'sStemCellAgency.MythsandMisconceptionsAbout StemCellResearch.
Web.2Nov.2015.

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LaBossiere, Mike. Should Zygotes Be Considered People? Talking Philosophy. The

Philosophers' Magazine Blog, 18 Nov. 2011. Web. 4 Dec. 2015.
Pacholczyk,Tadeusz.TheTenGreatMythsintheDebateOverStemCellResearch.
NBC Center.Web.2Nov.2015.
StemCellBasics.StemCellBasics.Web.2Nov.2015.
Stem Cell Basics.What Are the Similarities and Differences between Embryonic and
Adult Stem Cells?Stem Cell Information. U.S. Department of Health & Human
Services, 3 Mar. 2015. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.