Julian De La Calzada Ms.

Fritts Honors Biology 18 November 2010 The Ethics of Stem Cell Research Stem cells are basic cells found in multi cellular organisms. These cells are cells have no specific functions and have the ability to differentiate themselves into several types of cells. Scientists believe these cells have to potential to create certain kinds of cells when needed. If so, these cells might have the ability to repair damaged tissues and even replace organs. Stem cells have three basic properties regardless of their source. Stem cells can divide and renew themselves for long periods; are unspecialized and can have to potential to become a specialized cell. These cells are studied to find out more information on how are bodies develop into complex organisms. Obtaining information on these cells, may also open a window for scientists to understand what causes birth defects and how are body heals itself. Stem cells are found in human bodies throughout life but are far more potent in a fetus than in an adult human body. Because of this, embryonic stem cells were originally the main source of stem cells used for research. These stem cells are harvested from an aborted embryo right after conception or between the 5th and 9th week. This method of obtaining stem cell tissue has brought many controversial debates on the use of aborted embryos.

As a result of the protests against the use of embryonic stem cells, scientists have developed more ethical research methods. One of these methods includes the use of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS). Induced pluripotent stem cells are artificially derived from non-pluripotent cells, such as adult somatic cells. This advancement in science, has allowed researchers to obtain pluripotent stem cells, without the use of aborted embryos. This has resolved most of issues concerning the ethics of stem cell research. Despite the controversy, stems cells may be able to cure dozens of diseases and injuries in the future. These diseases include but are not limited to: Parkinsons disease, Alzeimers disease, heart diseases, stroke, Type 1 diabetes, birth defects, spinal cord injuries, replace or repair damaged organs, and stem cells may play a major role in cancer. If this becomes a reality, this will change the medical world forever and most importantly help out humanity by ridding the world of terminal illnesses. The possibility of this happening is the reason why I support the study of induced pluripotent stem cells but strongly oppose the use of embryotic stem cells. The use of embryonic cells is wrong because no one has the right to interfere with human life. I believe no one should abort in the first place and it would be wrong to use an aborted embryo as if it were not the precious life of a child. If the inability to use embryonic stem cells stands in the way of science achieving its goals to cure severe diseases, I would rather it be that way.