Adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells possess the same ability to multiply. So, exploiting embryonic stem cells for their multiplication capability should not be prohibited. The research on embryonic stem cells carries no compelling effects compared to research on adult stem cells. Each human life deserves the complete respect and security that we can give it. Basically, embryonic stem cell research withdraws the choice of life for these itty-bitty human beings. This research and experimentation should no longer take place because post-natal stem cells have many of the same characteristics as pre-natal stem cells, and perhaps more importantly, because using pre-natal stem cells is simply immoral. Taking away these little lives for the sake of science is unethical and corrupt, and the public should think twice before giving their consent for the research.
The editorial article, By Common Consent (12 March 2009), found in the online journal of science website, Nature, argues that science and medicine need embryonic stem-cell research to advance medical knowledge. The author believes that scientists need the public's support to further their ability to study embryos, which is likely true, and we therefore cannot lend our approval. Embryonic stem cell usage was advocated in the article in order to attempt to find cures for different diseases. However, scientists remain uncertain that killing innocent human lives will yield any tangible cures, yet they still encourage it! John Wyatt (Royal Free Hospital, London) put it perfectly when he stated, "The creation and manipulation of living human embryos for the sole purpose of generating therapeutic tissue seems incompatible with respect for vulnerable human life”. Now I know you fellow ladies understand that it is absolutely essential that we, as strong, independent and educated women, take a stand against this unborn baby stem cell research support and defend those who cannot yet defend themselves.
Scientists argue that research done on embryonic cells will lead to more knowledge in the medical world because they can multiply quicker and have a longer existence than adult stem cells. The ability for stem cells to replenish themselves is critical because large quantities of stem cells are needed in order to effectively treat diseases. However, adult stem cells have recently proven to meet this criteria, without taking the life of unborn person. Post-natal stem cells were previously thought to have a shorter life span than pre-natal stem cells, but now that does not seem to be the case. Researchers in Pittsburg have been able to multiply adult stem cells to a number comparable to that reached by embryonic stem cells. For example, a group of muscle stem cells were able to endure more than 200 population doublings while preserving their ability to produce new muscle cells. This discovery signified to scientists that these post-natal stem cells are likely able to maintain their treatment potential because of their ability to multiply while managing their structure, etc. Advocates of embryonic stem cell research need to realize that experimenting on these cells is taking the process of experimentation too far. Are we really allowing science to overpower God’s most precious gift? If we aren’t willing to stop with embryonic research, are there any boundaries in the scientific world at all? Scientists aren’t even 100% convinced that studying embryonic stem cells will even lead to any cures, so executing these innocent lives is obviously not worth the risk when post-natal stem cells have proven to be just as useful.
Other proponents of embryonic stem cell research, like the author of the article, assert that any damage done in this case has long-term potential benefits that outweigh harmful effects of the process. I cannot believe that some scientists don’t consider killing embryos a malicious act. Like I stated, before, adult stem cells that are used for research have greatly helped and progressed the scientific world. The progress of biomedical science is encouraged, Pope Benedict XVI affirms, but “true service to humanity begins with respect for each and every human life”. This issue will remain controversial as long as there are people who believe that God’s natural and beautiful gifts of human life should not be tampered with. By Common Consent states that scientists still need as much public support as possible to further their cause of embryonic stem cell research.
I am happy to report that everyone, scientists included, can relax because I have the solution: IPS. IPS stands for Induced Pluripotent System. Pluripotent cells are what I was talking about earlier when I mentioned the ability to multiply. If a stem cell is pluripotent, it means the cell can essentially become any cell in the adult human body (and therefore have a great ability to multiply). Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, and adult stem cells are not, giving embryonic stem cells a leg up (this is all the about why scientists are so ga-ga over embryonic stem cells). However, these IPS cells ARE pluripotent as well, and obtaining them does not include destroying an embryo. They are differentiated ADULT cells! The studies that have been done on animals show great promise with these cells, and there is NO ethical dilemma! However, studies using these cells are still new, so more research must be done in order to ensure that IPS cells are safe and can be effectively used in regenerative medicine. But when I learned about this alternative to embryonic stem cells in my Biology 101 class, I knew I had to tell you all about it! It is a very promising compromise for those embryonic stem cell advocates and the anti-stem cell believers out there.
After being in a sorority, I can first handedly affirm that any group of people with similar values and interests can truly make a difference if they fight for something they believe in. That is what sorority philanthropic events are all about. We join sororities, in large part, to make a difference in our communities by volunteering and working for a cause we are passionate about. Believing that stem cells from embryos should not be used for science is a cause we can get involved in. It is a current event that is scarily shaping up to lead to more complicated and dangerous outcomes. I urge you, as educated students, to join together in the fight to end the funding for embryonic stem cell research. We’re in college, one of the best times in our lives. The world is our oyster and we need to be proactive young adults who stand up for what we believe in. Marilyn Monroe (my idol) once famously stated, “Everyone is a star and deserves the chance to shine.” Embryos, just like anyone else, deserve the chance to grow, mature, and live their lives to the fullest. We have no right to take that opportunity away from them, so let us stop the experimentation today.
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