Research Of Embryonic Stem Cell Alternatives example essay topic

... r this research, they still feel that moral lines are being crossed. The world wide view seems to be current with the American perspective. Other countries seem to be a little more liberal; however the same ethical and safety concerns still arise.. Alternatives Stem cells are not only found in embryonic cells. Adult, placenta, and umbilical cells also offer great hope in the cure of diseases. These alternative stem cells, however, do not result in the destruction of life in any way.

Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells found among differentiated cells in a tissue or an organ. There are very few stem cells in each tissue which poses difficulty in the cure of diseases as a large number of stem cells are needed to further research. (Pecorino 4) Adult stem cells do have a few disadvantages. For instance, they are difficult to culture and do not live long in cultures.

Adult stem cells are limited to differentiating into the cell types of their origin whereas embryonic stem cells are able to become any type of cell that is needed. There is an adult stem cell called "plasticity" which leads hope to the future use of these cells. Plasticity cells have the ability to renew itself as well as becoming other types of specialized cells. This creates a more flexible use of adult stem cells and in this respect can replace the use of embryonic stem cells.

(10) One major advantage that adult stem cells offer which embryonic cells can't is that the cells from the patient can be used and then reintroduced to the patient to cure their disease. (5) This would prevent any type of rejection, which is a high threat in embryonic stem cell use. The only way that embryonic cells can reduce the risk of rejection is by the use of immunosuppressive drugs, which even then is not guaranteed. Immunosuppressive drugs can have many side effects including but not limited to: mouth ulcers, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, low blood counts, liver scaring, lung inflammation, and various infections. (6) While embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell type that doesn't always seem to be an advantage. Adult stem cells while they can not become any cell, their desired fate is easily obtained because these cells come from a narrow set of stem cells.

(Pecorino 4) This poses a difficulty within embryonic cells as they are not as easy to control. The greatest disadvantage of embryonic cells is the ethical controversy behind this research. Embryos are destroyed in the process of obtaining stem cells and many people believe that human life begins with the embryo. Umbilical cord and placenta stem cells are another non life threatening stem cell that can provide further advancement in the cure of diseases by stem cells. The umbilical cord and placenta, prenatal stem cells, are full of stem cells. Stem cells that come from the umbilical cord or placenta can be used on patients even if the donor is not an exact tissue match.

Rejection does not pose a big threat with prenatal stem cells. One of the main disadvantages in stem cell research, all in all, is the small amount knowledge that we have obtained. Alternatives such as adult, placenta, and umbilical stem cells could prove to be just as helpful if not more useful if we would invest time and money into a cause that shows great promise and is ethically accepted among the world. IV. Recommendation Stem cell research is clearly a worthy cause and investment. The research of embryonic stem cell alternatives holds great potential and should be fully explored before we even consider the research of embryos.

The evidence on embryonic stem cell research is clear. Embryonic stem cell research is not necessary with adult, placenta, and umbilical stem cells available which are proving to show the same results. The public has spoken, and society has given rise to the moral concerns of embryonic stem cell research. America along with the rest of the world does view embryonic research unethical whether it is because a living embryo is destroyed, cloning of the embryo is becoming a common practice in this research, or the risk of animal diseases transferring to humans.

Society is taking a stand. The entire purpose of stem cell research is to cure diseases and prevent death; however embryonic research results in killing of life and raises the possibility of new diseases emerging among civilization. It imposes the very things it wishes to prevent. While the alternatives offer some disadvantages, with increased knowledge, the opportunity to overcome these set backs is made possible. The advancement in adult "plasticity" cells would bring adult cells on the same level of embryonic cells. Plasticity cells will have the ability to become other types of cells which is similar to the function embryonic cells.

(5) Alternative stem cells do not pose the threat of rejection and they are easy to control. The advantages of alternative stem cell research are growing, and with increased knowledge and research it could prove to be even more beneficial than embryonic stem cells. Scientific proof is developing, even at this very moment. Stem cell research is clearly a worthy cause and investment.

Let us use our funding and energy into research that does not defy our humanity and dignity. We must remember America was founded on morals and ethics, and embryonic stem cell research spoils the ideals that are the spirit of this country. Life is precious, and life is not expendable. Let us not trade one life for another.

Alternative stem cell research does not force us into these ethical decisions. Chose life... Chose the alternative stem cell research. Work Cited Conan-Davies, Richard. "Stem Cells". Clearly Explained. com 8 June 2002.

G rompe, Markus. "Genetics of Development". Rediscovering Biology " S Policy Brief: Stem Cell Research". Advance Science, Serving Society 26 August 2004. Pecorino, Lauren.

"Stem Cells for Cell-Based Therapies". Action Bio Science July 2001. "Stem Cell Basics". Stem Cell Information 10 June 2004. "Immunosuppressive Drugs". National Arthritis Foundation 23 April 2005.

"Embryonic Stem Cell Research". The White House 9 August 2001. "Radio Address by the President to the Nation" The White House 11 August 2001. "Majority of Consumers Approve of Stem Cell Research Despite Ethical Concerns". Weber Shand wick Worldwide 9 June 2004. "Towns, C.R., and D.G. Jones.

"Stem Cells, Embryos, and the Environment: A Context for both Scienc and Ethics". Journal of Medical Ethics 30 (2004): 410-413.