Should Embryonic Stem Cell Research Be Federally Funded?

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Recommended: Essay on the ethics and science of embryonic stem cells

The possibility to cure Alzheimer, Parkinson’s, AIDS, spinal injuries, and many more diseases and conditions is received by many in the medical world with excitement and anticipation. The discoveries of embryonic stem, ES, cells in 1998 by James A. Thomson, a biologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, was a great breakthrough for the medical world, showing great promise in the field of stem cell research. This is because they have the capacity to become any type of cell tissue in the body. To the medical world the opportunities seems endless. However, there is a great deal of debate by some who question the moral and ethical use of ES cells, believing that life begins at fertilization. Supporters argue that we have an obligation to help others who are suffering by using ES cells, because they are consider potential life. The question is do we have the right to use ES cells for research purposes when the embryos will be grown specifically for research and destruction? And if so, should this research be funded by the government?

First of all, what are ES cells and how can they help us? ES cells are non-specialized cells found in the human body and are capable of multiplying and creating all types of specific cells. ES cells are developed in an in vitro fertilization clinic and not in a woman’s womb, as the name seems to indicate. Because these cells have the ability to develop into any type of cell, the research potential for ES cells is very promising. If the correct genes can be turned on they could regenerate tissue cells that are incapable or too damaged to replace themselves. Or they can be used to find and correct genetic defects or degenerative diseases. ES cells offer a promising future to many people even if that f...

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... Future of Medicine." The Guardian. The Guardian UK, 1 Mar. 2009. Web. 16 Jan. 2012. .

Sansom, Dennis L., P.H.D. "How Much Respect do we Owe the Embryo? Limits to Embryonic Stem Cell Research." Ethics & Medicine 26.3 (2010): 161,173,131. ProQuest Research Library. Web. 13 Jan. 2012.

Schechter, Jody. "Promoting Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: A Comparison of Policies in the United States and the United Kingdom and Factors Encouraging Advancement." Texas International Law Journal 45.3 (2010): 603-29. ProQuest Research Library. Web. 13 Jan. 2012.

Simon, Stephanie. "THE NATION; Stem Cell Dissent Roils States; Even Where Voters have Moved to Support the Embryonic Research, Opposition is Fierce." Los Angeles Times: A.12. Los Angeles Times; National Newspapers Core. Aug 01 2007. Web. 13 Jan. 2012

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