Embryonic Stem Cell Research Persuasive Speech

1989 came with a boom as it molded the course of history – The Galileo Spacecraft launched by NASA flew up, the Berlin Wall tumbled down, and the massacre of Tiananmen Square left the city of Beijing in turmoil. Interestingly, a lesser known event swung the world of science in a complete 180. Scientists used embryonic stem cells to fabricate the first mice ever to lack assigned genes (Making). Just over a decade later, and following numerous embryonic stem cell discoveries, former U.S. president George W. Bush, authorized the use of federal funds for limited human embryonic stem cell research (Human). So, aiming for progress, mankind launched this new and exciting expedition. Nonetheless, in a culture that so readily promotes whatever promises a brighter future without weighing the means, we need to recognize the immorality of HESC testing. By exploiting these tiny humans in their foremost stages of development, the scientists behind this commit a heinous crime –

murder.
Initially, a central term needs to be defined: “embryo.” When a sperm and egg combine, a zygote forms comprised of all genetic information to further develop into a fetus. After a few days, the zygote forms a bundle of cells with an inner bunch of cells and an outer shell; the inner cells grow into an embryo and, eventually, a fully developed baby. Even though adult stem cells suggest even more efficient results (Meilaender), HESC’s stand out due to their ability to divide and transform into specialized cells (Stem). Thus, experts believe they promise monumental improvements in the medical field, especially in regards to genetics. Yes, this holds astounding potential, but it involves taking hundreds of thousands of lives for the possible betterment of millions.
As of now, researchers harvest the majority of stem cells from IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatments, the manual combination of sperm and egg in a lab.

Once an embryo forms, a doctor implants it in the mother, and it grows just like a naturally-conceived baby. However, numerous fertilized eggs never develop any further, as their mothers wish to implant and give birth to only one or two. Unfortunately, the “left-over” embryos, if not frozen for future implantation face deadly experiments. In fact, out of the 400,000 currently frozen embryos, the majority face a future of experiments (Stem). At the surface, this appears completely ethical – after all, we ought to put “left-overs” to good use. However, by playing God, we decide the death of these embryos. First, we decide their fate; then, we rule how such a convenience might aid humankind (Meilaender). As society forgets limitations, embraces perfection, and devalues human life, playing God merely becomes a game – a game between ….

(comebacktodis).
Unfortunately, the evidence that indicates the humanity of these tiny embryos fails to urge the discontinuation of deadly research. Today, top scientists admit more and more that life begins at conception. Dr. Alfred M. Bongioanni, an esteemed professor at the University of Pennsylvania stated, “I have learned from my earliest medical education that human life begins at the time of conception…I am no more prepared to say that these early stages represent an incomplete human being than I would be to say that the child prior to dramatic effects of puberty…is not a human being. This is human life at every stage” (Alcorn). Professor Hymie Gordon of the Mayo Clinic admits that “By all criteria of modern molecular biology, life is present from the moment of conception” (Alcorn). Despite such gestures, HESC research advances with little hindrance. Accordingly, thousands claim that sentience, defined as the ability to sense surroundings designates the starting point of humanity.