Stem Cell Research Has medical research gone too far, or do the benefits outweigh the supposed ethical question? Gabrielle Cappellucci English 11 H Period 3 4/3/14

What are stem cells? Stem cells are cells that are harvested from specific areas in the human body. Research has shown that these cells can be harvested from areas of the body such as: skin, fat tissue, muscle, bone marrow. The most controversial source of stem cells is in human embryos.

Issue At Hand Stem cell research has taken place for longer than we understand ◦ There was no ethical question or controversy until media shed light on the research ◦ Through unknown research, cures for 40 diseases were proven curable through stem cell research ◦ Research shows the future of medicine through use of adult and embryonic stem cells  Controversy lies with usage of embryonic stem cells

Issue At Hand President George W. Bush did not support further research of embryonic cells ◦ Thought that this research was unethical ◦ Put vast restrictions Religious groups also lack support ◦ Catholic Church believes it’s unrighteous to sacrifice one life to benefit the life of another

A Strong Misconception It’s evident that there’s a strong misconception among people who are exposed to this idea of using stem cells. When people are presented with the idea of using stem cells to cure diseases, they’re often justly uneducated about how they work. Without the being well versed in the whole process and the way stem cells function, it’s understandable that such a negative reaction would result when being presented the idea.

Adult Stem Cells Multipotent: perform many functions Difficult to utilize Don’t perform as many functions as desired ◦ Generally, perform functions similar to functions necessary in their area of origin

Embryonic Stem Cells Hold the most potential for medicinal advancements and curing numerous diseases ◦ Ex: parkinson’s disease, heart disease, muscular dystrophy, hearing and vision loss. ◦ Pluripotent: they can function as those cells with specific functions any place in the human body ◦ Adapt to their location, then grow and divide to perform the necessary functions of depreciated cells in that region

Growing Acceptance and Support

US Policy on Stem Cells President Obama’s vote of support Biologists now have the ability to further their research FDA as a regulatory agent

Works Cited "Introduction to Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells: At Issue." Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells. Ed. Margaret Haerens. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, At Issue. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 19 Mar "Introduction to Should the Government Fund Embryonic Stem Cell Research?: At Issue." Should the Government Fund Embryonic Stem Cell Research? Ed. Amy Francis. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, At Issue. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 26 Mar Lewis, Andy. "Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Research Is More Ethical than Embryonic Stem Cell Research." Stem Cells. Jacqueline Langwith. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: An Amazing Breakthrough in the Stem Cell Debate." The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 26 Mar "Public Opinion on the Moral Acceptability of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, " Genetics and Genetic Engineering. Barbara Wexler Ed. Detroit: Gale, Information Plus Reference Series. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 26 Mar "Stem Cells." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit: Gale, Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 19 Mar Sternberg, Steve. "Physicians Are Treating Patients Using Questionable Stem Cell Therapies." Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells. Ed. Susan C. Hunnicutt. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, At Issue. Rpt. from "Doctors Offer Unapproved Stem Cell Therapies." USA Today 29 June Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 26 Mar US Food and Drug Administration. "The FDA Regulates Stem Cell Products to Protect the Public." Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells. Ed. Susan C. Hunnicutt. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, At Issue. Rpt. from "FDA Warns About Stem Cell Claims." Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 26 Mar