Embryonic Stem Cells In Scientific Research Essay - 584 Words

Most cells in our bodies are specialised to do a particular job. Like white blood cells are good at fighting off invaders, but they can’t carry oxygen like red blood cells. Stem cells on the other hand have the remarkable potential to develop into many different types of cell in the body. In addition, in many tissues they serve as an initial repair system, dividing without limits to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to remain a stem cell or become a more specialised cell. They can be distinguished from other types of cell by two characteristics. First, they are unspecialized that can renew themselves through cell†¦show more content†¦On the other hand, many groups and organisations regard the deconstruction of the blastocyst (a embryo formed outside the human body) to be the murder of a human life. They believe that life begins at conception and that it is immoral to destroy a few day old human embryo, even to save an existing human life. For embryonic stem cell research: The main argument for stem cell research is that it could lead to major medical breakthroughs. It could be used to treat countless diseases and therefore improve the lives of millions. It has already be tested on some human patients and shown promising results. So there is already a use for it. Also, looking further into the future stem cell research holds all kinds of possibilities like growing organs for people who need transplants. Another argument is that the embryos that are used in the research are left over from IVF, so would be destroyed anyway. If these embryos did not go to the research it would be a wasted opportunity. Also early human embryos are only balls of cells—not yet human beings. Against embryonic stem cell research: The arguments against the research are mostly ethical and moral. The main one being that those who believe human life begins at conception, oppose embryonic stem cell research because the extraction of stem cells from the embryo requires its destruction. In otherShow MoreRelatedThe Debate Concerning Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay1406 Words   |  6 Pagesof embryonic stem cell research. The embryonic stem cell debate has polarized the country into those who argue that such research holds promises of ending a great deal of human suffering and others who condemn such research as involving the abortion of a potential human life. If any answer to the ethical debate surrounding this particular aspect of stem cell research exists, it is a hazy one at best. The question facing many scientists and policymakers involved in embryonic stem cell research isRead MoreEmbryo Based Stem Cell Research1171 Words   |  5 PagesEmbryo-based stem cell research The controversy concerning the ethical dilemma related to stem cell research rages on. 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