Stem Cell the Recent Discovery of Stem

Stem Cell

The recent discovery of stem cell usefulness in helping cure persistent disease and medical problems presents an interesting dilemma for society and those interested in exploring this technology. Before rushing into using this tool, it is my opinion that the defining terms of this topic should be fully understood. The difference between adult stem cell and embryonic stem cell applications are differing along with the moral and ethical implications that accompany these terms. In order to truly understand this problem this distinction needs to be addressed before answering the question of its value in general terms.

Understanding the differences between these two parts of the discussion has led me to take a stance against using embryonic stem cells for research purposes. The use of adult stem cells and the full range of applications that this more humane and kindly approach utilizes seems to best suit the human situation in today's complicated ethical landscape that leaves the aspiring learner confused and curious.

DEFINING THE TERMS

According to the Mayo Clinic (n.d), stem cells offer great promise for new medical treatments and are defined by this institution as "cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated." This fountain of life discovery has the scientific community very excited about all the possible ways that this technology can be utilized. Currently, there are two sources of stem cells, embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Adult stem cells are found in adult bodies including bone marrow and other tissues. These stem cells are found in people of all ages and are often referred to as somatic cells. The evidence around adult stem cells is growing as new applications and health contributions are currently being added all the time.

The more controversial embryonic stem cells are derived from a different source than the adult cells. After a fertilized egg is developed into an embryo of less than a week or so it may be harvested for certain types of cells that display regenerative powers in broken tissue and organs.

It is important to distinguish between adult stem cells in that these cells are taken from potential human life forms that do not have any say in the matter at all. The abortion debate is a very close relative of the stem cell debate as the source and timing of the beginning of life is in question.

THE NEED FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH

Perry's (2000) called for the immediate need for this type of research in the following table:

Table 1. Persons in the United States affected by diseases that may be helped by human pluripotent stem cell research. Data are from the Patients"

Coalition for Urgent Research, Washington, DC.

Condition Number of persons affected

Cardiovascular diseases 58 million

Autoimmune diseases 30 million

Diabetes 16 million

Osteoporosis 10 million

Cancer 8.2 million

Alzheimer's disease 4 million

Parkinson's disease 1.5 million

Burns (severe) 0.3 million

Spinal cord injuries 0.25 million

Birth defects 150,000 (per year)

Total 128.4 million

It is true that the United States and the rest of the world is suffering from many types of diseases that stem cells can help cure and therefore giving ample cause for this debate and providing the context in which it should be debated.

HOW THE STEM CELL IS USED TO FIGHT DISEASE

The National Institutes of Health (n.d.) stem cell information distinguishes between embryonic and adult stem cells. The main difference in these two types of cells is the ability of the embryos type to produce many more stem cells that can become regenerative in nature and used for healing purposes. Adult stem cells are harder to manage and require more human maintenance. This technique of extraction presents unique challenges and methods that are labor-intensive and expensive making the somatic stem cell type of research more dependent on funding and other types of resources. Is unknown at this time whether or not the success rate of regenerating cells are any different, but we do know that the adult stem cells are harder to extract and grow into a healing property.

Either form of these stem cells can be developed and used to fight diseases in many different ways. Pardal et. al (2003) presented a very simple and explicit comparison of how stem cells can be used effectively in treating cancer. Ultimately he realized that research could ultimately cure cancer" and it might be possible develop therapies are effective against metastatic disease" (p.901). Experts ultimately concluded that stem cell therapy will eventually be the most productive way of eliminating cardiac disorders. It is therefore obvious that this technology is useful and can contribute to humanity in a positive way.

THE MORALS AND ETHICS BEHIND STEM CELL RESEARCH

When does life begin? That is essentially what needs to be answered before stem cell research originating from embryos needs to be answered. "For those who believe the human embryo from the one cell stage onwards has absolute moral value, equal to that of a newborn baby or adult, any embryo research is ethically unacceptable as it is tantamount to murder " (McLaren 2001, p. 130). Can this question even be answered scientifically? In many ways life seems to begin at this stage of embryo evident by its usefulness in regenerating cells in stem cell therapy. But that does not make it right. Just because something works does not mean it's acceptable behavior for all society to follow. Murder often works in solving temporary problems but does not excuse the greater moral or ethical questions.

The question is further distorted when one is to understand that many of the embryos that are being used for this research will eventually be destroyed or thrown out. These existing sources of potential healing substance should not be wasted either. It should come down to the individual and what the individual believes is right or wrong. Treating others as one would like to be treated serves as the best moral compass in today's society. The potential for embryo farming and the profit schemes behind these types of endeavors are eventualities in a capitalistic system so encouraging embryonic stem cell research would also encourage this behavior as well. For some, this is permissible, for others it is not.