Genetic Technology - Stem Cell Research Stem

Genetic Technology - Stem Cell Research

Stem Cells

There has been an abundance of controversy over the past several years regarding the research of stem cells. Proponents of this particular branch of research claim that the usage of stem cells can create virtually unparalleled medical advantages for future generations. Opponents of the utilization of stem cells cite the fact that the research is unethical, primarily since it causes death in embryos to produce the advances which can significantly affect the future of health and wellness. However, careful consideration of bioethics, and in particular that of the consequentialist philosophy known as utilitarianism, indicates that stem cell research is both ethical and beneficial to the preservation of human kind.

Utilitarianism is the branch of philosophy pioneered by both John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham that judges the morality of a particular action by its result. If an action produces more good than ill, it is perceived as being ethically acceptable. In particular, these philosophers attempted to measure the greatest amount of good engendered by an action and compared it to the greatest amount of good produced by other alternatives, with the method which creates the most amount of utility or felicity being judged moral. In terms of stem cell research, utilitarianism actually supports the continuation of this practice due to all the potential good that can be achieved through its effect in the field of medicine. Degenerative conditions involving physical trauma and genetic diseases, which include Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and a whole host of others, may be cured or have their symptoms significantly reduced to the point where its victims can lead healthier, productive lives. In light of the potential generations of people who will benefit from various forms of stem cell research, utilitarianism confirms that it is morally acceptable and ethically correct.

Opponents of stem cell research, of course, claim that techniques of research are immoral for the fact that they involve the killing of embryos. Those who take this viewpoint cite the killing of human embryos in particular as being heretical and against God and against the natural development of life on this planet. However, there are two points which should be noted which effectively override this particular stance that is against the research of stem cells. One is that there has been significant research of stem cells involving lower organisms of life such as mice and rats, which has been able to provide considerable insight into the development of human applications for this particular branch of scientific study. Surely opponents of stem cell research who cite the immorality of killing human embryos (and who also believe that life begins at the embryonic stage and that such embryos are people) do not object to the killing of mice and rats in the name of scientific study.