Stem Cell - Research Paper Example

After facts are viewed, an honest opinion can be formed. Viewing facts can involve going over pros and cons regarding stem cell research. What exactly are stem cells? Stem cells are known as “mother cells”, these mother cells can be classified into two different groups. The groups are separated into adult and fetal cells. The main factor that separates stem cells from other cells is their ability to rejuvenate and renew. (Arce, S., Mosqueda, M., Gaona, H., Mas, M., Cortes, M., & Rios, M. 2007) Since the cells are able to renew, it is obvious as to why these cells are of much importance and highly researched.

Cells that are able to rejuvenate are said to be able to help cure many cancers, diseases and deformities. The use of stem cells can result in breakthrough medicines that scientist have been longing for. Stem cell research is very extensive and costly. The research is costly in ways other than funding. There are several different laws, religious, and bio ethical views that allow for stem cell research to be so controversial. When it comes to stem cell research, there are many ethical costs associated with stem cell research.

The ethics associated with stem cell research allow for the research to be one of the most controversial types of research out there. This is especially so when dealing with embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells can be found in many different areas. The embryonic cells are found in the umbilical cord, placenta, and embryo. In order to obtain these embryonic stem cells, the donor is required to give full consent and must agree to give up the cells for research. This sounds so simple but this is one of the main factors that raise controversy.

It is a fact that in order to obtain embryonic cells, there is no way to obtain the cells without destroying the embryo. (Kollmann 2010) Destroying the embryo, results in death to the unborn fetus. The destruction of the human embryo for research means that the research of the embryonic cells is conducted at the cost of a destroyed embryo. There are laws in place against this and many religious views strongly oppose this. Many places do not allow research of embryonic cells, since the cells are obtained through abortion.

Only areas that are pro abortion allow embryonic stem cells for research. Benefits to the research must outweigh the risks. Many argue that the research and use of the stem cells does not outweigh the risks. The popularity of embryonic cells is favored over adult cells. This is so since the embryonic cells are able to virtually be reproduced into any cell of the body. (Johnson, Williams 2008) Since the cells are able to reproduce they can eliminate certain diseases and cancers by allowing the body to grow new cells and eliminate the bad cells.

This is why many are in such favor of stem cell research. Those in power also take a stand in either favor of stem cell research. President Bush made an announcement during his American presidency that stated, “funding would be granted to further explore embryonic stem cell research’. (Johnson, Williams 2008) Many opposed this but the funding opened up many doors that allowed the stem cells to be used in new ways. Besides destroying human embryo to study stem cells, there are other cons that run against bio ethics and religious morals.

When many think of stem cell research they think of cloning. Cloning is the ability to reproduce a copy of