Stem Cell Research Debate

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Stem cell research is a heavily debated topic that can stir trouble in even the tightest of Thanksgiving tables. The use cells found in the cells of embryos to replicate dead or dying cells is a truly baffling thought. To many, stem cell research has the potential to be Holy Grail of modern medicine. To many others, it is ultimately an unethical concept regardless of its capabilities. Due to how divided people are on the topic of stem cell research, its legality and acceptance are different everywhere. According to Utilitarianism, stem cell research should be permitted due to the amount of people it can save, however according to the Divine Command of Christianity, the means of collecting said stem cells are immoral and forbidden. Stem cells …show more content…

Followers of Christianity, for example, base their values on the teachings of the Bible or more specifically the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are a set of rules that are literally from God himself. The Ten Commandments are: You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall make no idols. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Keep the Sabbath day holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet. These commandments are believed to determine right from wrong by Christians. This is called Divine Command Theory, which means that whatever God commands is morally right. Concerning stem cell research, “You shall not murder” is the commandment that is broken. For the same reason abortion is wrong in the eyes of Christianity, the use of stem cells is wrong as well. An embryo must be harvested and destroyed in order to harvest stem cells, and since Christians consider unborn babies as people, it is murder to terminate a pregnancy. This belief has caused millions to stand against stem cell research for decades. While those who support it, focus on the number of lives that could be …show more content…

Which is why discussing the legality of researching stem cells is complicated. Scientific discoveries and advancements in healthcare are some of the most important things on this planet. However, people's faiths and morals are important as well and must be respected. No one can say absolutely whether or not stem cell research is ethical since the answer stems from opinions. Whether you follow Divine Command Theory or Utilitarianism, both are simply opinions on what is right and

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