Is stem cell research ethical? Why or why not? Should any type of stem cell research be permitted in the US? If so, what limitations, if any, should be placed on such research? Why or why not?
I think stem cell research is a very touchy subject, I feel a fertilized embryo is life and at which stage they pull the stem cell out is wrong. Then again from one fertilized embryo can save many lives. Now if a woman has already decided to terminate the pregnancy she should consider donating it for research. They should have laws that companies can not buy the embryo from the woman who is terminating her pregnancy.
How do we define ethics? What may be ethical may not be legal. What may be not ethical may be legal. Stem cell is one of the most controversy topics. However, I am for stem cell research. There are many benefits to doing stem cell research. One potential benefit is providing the raw material for virtually every kind of human tissue, new treatments for a wide range of human diseases including diabetes, heart disease, some forms of cancer, and Parkinson's disease can now be developed. Another advantage is the ability to test millions of potential drugs and medicine, without the use of animals or human testers. This requires a process of simulating the effect the drug has on a specific population of cells. This would tell if the drug is useful or problematic. Without stem cell research, medical discoveries and improvements would not have been made without research. However there should be limits such as what to test for and how to safely test. I believe that stem cell research should be permitted in the U.S. We are now in an age of advance technology and it is time to use that technology efficiently. Brain and muscle stem cells have been discovered with replacement cells which would regenerate lost cells (via injury or disease) automatically to fill the void. Stem cell research and results are extremely promising for the up coming future and still needs more extensive research to bring the best benefits in hope to help fight against life threatening diseases. Stem cell research is a vital way to do advance medical research and I believe that the U.S. should permit stem cell research.
Like I’ve said before I have a very biased opinion on stem cell research. I really feel that if the government would fund research we would be able to use adult stem cells over embryonic stem cells. That would get rid of the ethical issue. As of right now I can see why people are so against it. Killing embryo’s isn’t ethical just for the sake of killing embryos isn’t ethical, but using embryos that are going to be killed in an abortion is something I think scientists should really look into. Abortion is legal and therefore there should be no problem using those embryo’s, with the consent of the mother. Many people will say that that’s not solving the problem, if anything that’s adding to it. But I think if these mothers want an abortion so bad, they would feel that basically donating their babies to science, that could some day effect the entire world and all of the diseases known to man, is better than just throwing the embryo’s away. They could be used for something so tremendous. But I firmly believe that funding should be granted for adult stem cell research. If breakthroughs could be made in that, we don’t even have to worry about the ethical issues involving embryonic stem cells. There have been breakthroughs and with basically little funding, imagine if the government was funding it. The possibilities are overwhelming. Stem cell research is one of those issues in today’s society that could either make or break this nation, even the world. If it is done right, stem cells could potentially cure any disease known to man. No matter how rare or complicated the disease. Life is composed of cells and an uncountable amount of cells make up the human body. If the damaged cells are removed and replaced with new cells, the human body is essentially fixed. Millions of Americans suffer from diseases that may eventually be treated more effectively with stem cells or even be cured. I really believe that research involving adult stem cells promises new treatments and possible cures for many diseases and injuries. Stem cell research is an amazing opportunity for the medical world. It is a concept that holds an enormous promise to ease human agony, and federal support is critical to its success.
Stem cell research is such a sensitive and controversial subject that all parties should carefully and systematically consider all the pros and cons. I am against stem cell research because it is unethical.the problem and ethical dilemma come from the intended abortions just for the sake of the research This is not just only unethical but morally inhumane and inappropriate.To creat a human being in the intention to later destroy it and use it to save the lives of an already existing lives is not ethical.Why as a society do we choose to creat a new life in order to save the lives of the older ones?Just because the unborn baby can't defend themselves shouldnot mean that we should harm them.Another example of unethical way of obtaining the embryo is that when scientists creat life in the vitro and then use that live embryo to do the research in order to cure disease or save lives.This is same as intentional abortion because they are destroying a life embryo which is a potential human being.Fertilized eggs in the vitro are no different than the naturally fertilized eggs in human body.We can all remember how the recent birth of the Ocuplets was possible;it is by vitro.This should tell us that on matter how small these embryo's are, they have the powerful DNA to survive and become an individual human being.I think science advancement is a very important part of our future health care system but it should not be at the price of the unborn embryo's.The scientists should do their job in the ethical expectation of the society and obey the law strictly to use only the embryo's obtained following natural miscarriages.This means that they are not allowed to encourage women to have abortion to benefit from it.They shouldn't be allowed to do in vitro fertilization to use for the research.They can only use embryo's that come from natural miscarriages or abortion that are performed to save the lives of mother. I hope the future generation are sensible and humane in considering how valuable the human life is starting from conception and uphold the ethical and moral values of the past generation.
I think stem cell research is ethical it is using the basic building blocks of life to fix problems that have arisen from errors either in life or genetics. Stem cells offer the ability for children that would not live or not well to live full lives and happy ones. I feel though that there is a fine line though if stem cells are used to heal the sick and dying that is one thing but Stem cells could be used for genetic engineering and that is where I say no that line should not be crossed. Basically I am fine with using stem cells in the medical field of medicine especially in the research of stem cells we could figure out how genetic disorders come about and how to stop them. I do feel though that Stem cell research should devote a large amount of time to figuring out how to artificially create stem cells so that it can shake the stigmata of failed life that clings to it. I would say that I see no wrong ethically in using stem cells to heal people if a life is going to be wasted anyway through abortion then let it not be a complete waste let it be used to heal people that if life begins at conception or not at least let that potential of life be used for good. The research that I feel should be let in the US is the research of creating better medicine through stem cells and the research of creating artificial stem cells. Once an artificial method is made then let in more research but it should all be aimed at medical uses not genetic engineering. The reason I say don’t use stem cells for genetic research like that is despite all the leaps and bounds it could make there is too much that could go wrong with it since humans are complex creatures that even after nearly 100s of years of research we still don’t understand completely to try and remake what we don’t understand strikes me as folly. So I say yes to Stem cells Medical use no to genetic use.
Before this class I did not know much about stem cell research but now I feel like I have a better understanding of what it is. In my opinion stem cell research is ethical. There are many people suffering from different diseases that threaten their life and their way of living. If something like stem cells can help fix those problems then why not do it. I feel as if the people that usually say no to these kinds of procedures are people that have not been in a situation when using this procedure could save their lives or improve it drastically. For example if a child was really ill the parents would usually try anything to help them get better and have a good quality of life. It is very hard to see loved ones suffering. I think that both embryonic and adult stem cell research should be allowed in the US and that there should be funding for it. Adult stem cell research is preferable but when embryonic stem cell research is needed than that should be allowed as well. These procedures should only be used when the person needing the stem cells is already ill and depends on these cells to get better and recover not for genetic engineering. It should not be used when the person is not showing any symptoms or just as a preventative treatment. In addition embryos that are going to be aborted because of the mother’s choice should be used but the mothers should not be paid for these embryos. If the mothers are being paid for these embryos I feel as if it would somewhat encourage mothers to get the procedure done for their own profit. There has to be a balance on this very sensitive issue. We shouldn’t go over board with it but it should be used when needed.
I think stem cell research is ethical in some ways. If using stem cells for experimentation in order to find ways to cure, incurable diseases, then I’m all for it, as long as it’s coming from the discarded embryos left over from IVF or other family planning procedures. I don’t think it should come from women just donated their eggs. Just getting paid for “hatching eggs” and then using them for experimental research I think is just wrong. Their just doing it for the money, whereas, if they come from discarded embryos after family planning procedures, at least these people are trying to have a child and may be successful. Funds should be granted for stem cell research, if it means that one day it would cure a disease and prevent a possible death from happening (saving a life)!!!!
Being a Christian I really had to educate myself on the topic and its ramifications. From what the bible states, it supports curing diseases and alleviating suffering. An example of this is Jesus. During his ministry He traveled and healed many people. Stem cell research has shown great promise in medicine. The most important question concerning stem cell research is, is it ethical? I think before this question can be answered I have to distinguish the two types of stem cells: adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells. Research on adult stem cells has shown over time how it able to treat many diseases. Can be obtained from many parts; born marrow, blood, skin, tissue, and other sources. Research on adult stem cells does not require the loss of life. That is why I believe that adult stem cell research is legitimate. Embryonic stem cells are gathered from human embryos. In order to obtain this, an embryo must be destroyed. The bible teaches us in Psalm 139 that God created us from within our mother’s womb. This for me means that life begins at fertilization. Destroying a living human being is against God’s will. With that, I feel it is morally wrong to conduct research for death in order to perform experiments. I think from what I have said I don’t think there is a problem with adult stem cell research. What limitations could I put on this? I would probably say that the only way research can be done is if the adult is in healthy terms and of age to partake in the experiment in which it will not have repercussions to his or her own life. Though I cannot stop people from donating embryos for research I would hope they really think about how destroying the embryos is really killing a life that didn’t have a chance of deciding on its own to want or not want to live.
Stem cells save lives but it costs a life also. Stem cell research should be limited to life saving treatments only such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, severe burns, etc. I feel that there should be law for women who have too many embryos made at once. I understand that they pay for them but there should be a limit. Embryos are alive but they need to be fertilized for Me to consider researchers' to be killers. I'm sure that the people that are against stem cell research would have very different opinions if they had a family member who could be cured by the research that was made. I also feel that God wouldn't have given us the ability to find a cure or the possibility of a cure in stem cell research if he didn't want us to use it. I know that I hope that stem cell research will find a cure for diabetes, a disease that alot of people in my family suffer from. A disease that I am fighting to not have though I am borderline right now.
Stem cell research is in my opinion our biggest dilemma today in comparison to other controversial issues such as abortion, euthanasia, etc. I am for stem cell research but completely against embryonic stem cell research. Harvesting embryos for stem cells destroys them; it destroys life. I believe that life begins at conception. As I have read the Bible in the book of Psalms and Jeremiah, God spoke that life begins at fertilization. Are we able to justify murder or the destruction of life in exchange of potentially saving another? I support adult stem cell research because it is not destroying life. We should really look into efficient ways of other alternative stem cell research rather than using embryos. So is stem cell research ethical? Of course it is ethical as long as it does not harvest embryos for research. In other words, the only unethical kind is the embryonic stem cell research because it destroys life and potential human beings. The US should fund more on adult and other alternative process of stem cell research to find ways on how to create artificial stem cells similar to those of embryos without actually harvesting stem cells from embryos. As far as adult stem cell research, there should not be any limitations to the funding or to the extent of the study since it is not destroying life.
Stem cell research I believe is ethical with a few exceptions because stem cells research has a promising future to help cure and prevent disorders and diseases. I think that stem cell research is ethical because if the egg donors and sperm donors know what is happening with their egg or sperm so it’s ok to use them it for research. Because they will be used for a good cause it is not a person yet its “potential life” so it does really have a say in what happens to it. I believe this because the stem cells taken from embryos can be used to change into other cells unlike mature stem cells, which know what cells they will become. I think that using stem cells from baby umbilical cords is ok to because the baby is not being put in harm or danger and it contains stem cells that are more “plastic” than the ones found in bone marrow. However, I do not think that it is ethical to use the stem cells from humans because it is really a hassle to try to extract stem cells from the body. If stem cell research is allowed in the US, I think that umbilical and embryonic stem cell research should allowed but not human stem cells because there are too many hassles and dangers that can happen when trying to extract the cells. However, it would be ok if the person agrees and knows what they are getting themselves into. But as far what they are, researching on I think it would be ok to research on small animals and human participants that allow their consent to be studied on. Just as long as they know what is going to happen to them and what the risks are. But other than that I think the are any things that stem cell research can help with as far as cures and new techniques to help prevention of illness.
I support stem cell research. lets not forget that most, if not all embryos are and will be destroyed if they are not used to create a baby. how would that help anyone? its like the animal research debate, unfortunately many medications and treatments for cancer would not be here without it at the expense of innocent animals. which brings us back to stem cells, how are we gonna find cures for diseases that effect humans alone (that we know of so far) if not without stem cell research? we've all seen or heard of the images of mascara in the eyes of cute bunny rabbits, as if us human are that stupid to stick ourselves in the eye with mascara. what if, lets be fanciful now, what if stem cell research found a cure for AIDS? Imagine that this could be true, are you going to let a moral obligation prevent the possibility of a cure for AIDS? Huntington's Disease can cut ones lifespan in half. We've all seen Michael J Fox and the effects of Parkinson's. I miss Christopher Reeve, he was my first crush as Superman. So no I don't see anything wrong with using embryos that would otherwise be destroyed in research.
Don’t we all love technology. From our laptops to our faster more proficient vehicles that can take us to visit more places that actually use some sort of modern technology in order to keep us entertained. Then, there are medical advances that have actually helped the human race to live longer. Well, all in all I think everyone would agree that technology has benefited our society in one way or another. However, in some ways I believe that technology has surpassed our morals and ethics. As years has gone by I have noticed that our standards of morals have been pressured indirectly to be lowered more and more as the years go by. I believe that stem cells from umbilical cords and adult stem cells are ethically okay, as long as consent is obtained and used in an ethical manner and purpose that directly benefits the person. However, I believe that use of embryonic stem cells for research should have some restrictions. At this time for example, the two ways that scientists are able to obtain embryonic stem cells are from abortions and IVF procedures. Now from these two procedures there were already ethical issues at hand. In order to obtain these stem cells, someone had to make the ethical decision of having an abortion and having an IVF procedure that would result with left over unused embryos. So, these in turn led to the ethical issue of using the embryonic stem cells for research. Scientists in a way are taking advantage of these situations in order to do research. They feel that they are just going to die anyway and why let them go to waste. Well not that I agree with the thought of not letting them go to waste, however I feel that with consent if the person or couple having an abortion or IVF procedure wants to donate their end products they can. I don’t think all of it should be used for any type of stem cell research. There should be goals set that would benefit societies needs as a whole, in order to make progress, and not get side tracked. Furthermore, a certain amount should be given to research groups along with restrictions of how often they can get them and that they should set rules on having them turn in quarterly reports of their research. The reason why I feel that there should be restrictions is the mere fact that I do not believe that embryos should be specifically generated as an industrial product to be exclusively used for research. Then, embryos would be considered like objects. The extra embryos could be used by other couples too. I do recognize and acknowledge that the use of embryonic stem cells have the potential to offer cures and therapies that scientists and society have longed for, however, the downside to using these embryos is the fact the progress in research is still in the experimental stages while adult stem cells have already been used in therapies for over 40 years. The therapies that adult stem cells have been used for are bone marrow transplants which are technically called Hematoporetic stem cells. These cells along with stem cells from umbilical cords have also helped other inherited blood disorders. Adult stem cells are becoming showing indication of potential cures that they could possibly be reprogrammed to return to embryonic stem cell like cells which can lead to further uses in other cell replacement therapies without the raising up anymore red ethical flags then what is needed.
At first I didn’t believe that embryonic stem cell research was ethical however, I have since learned more about this topic and am for it as long as strict restrictions are enforced on how the embryos are obtained. I would agree to a woman donating her eggs for research as long as she fully understood what they may be used for. The same goes for the man donating his sperm, he needs to fully accept and understand that they may be used to fertilize an egg and NOT end up as a baby. I would strongly be against stem cell research if the embryos were obtained by a woman getting pregnant just to have an abortion. I guess this is my way of separating human creation from science. In my mind it makes me feel better knowing that a child was not created but rather just an egg fertilized by sperm … is just an embryo. I feel this way because we have the technology and science to cure and prevent many debilitating diseases such as Parkinson’s with this research. We should use what resources we can to help people with this disease as well as many others. I have a family member with Parkinson’s disease and see what it has done to her in the past 5 years. She has slowly progressed into non-stop shaking, soreness all over her body, difficulty writing, walking up stairs, and sometimes to get a fork with food on it to her mouth. She is very independent and has tried several different medications however it is only helping manage the disease not cure it. If I was in this situation I would donate my eggs to be used for this type of research. I would want every possible option evaluated and researched to cure me and possibly save my life. For all the same reasons stated above my answer to the US having any type of stem cell research would be yes. Again only if the egg and sperm were donated and no abortions took place. I also feel that there would need to be strict monitoring of the embryos to ensure that they are destroyed in the proper time frame. I believe this is about 14 days, this MUST be enforced. There will be no gray areas of the research, the government and the scientists must not falter from these restrictions in anyway. A man or woman should not profit monetarily in ANYWAY whatsoever for their eggs and sperm. If we think scientifically about this a woman only produces so many eggs in her life time. She will never have all them fertilized and grow into babies. So I feel it would be ethical to use some of them for stem cell research. I worry that a “super human” could be created from this research however don’t feel that this would ever happen in my lifetime so I try to keep that thought out of my mind as much as possible when it comes to this topic. Being raised a Catholic my mother and grandmother would probably have a fit if I told them I feel this way, thankfully this is not a topic that we discuss. If it would ever come up I would share my thoughts and explain to them why and I believe they may also feel a little bit the same.
I do believe that stem cell research is ethical for both adult and embryonic stem cells, and should be used and funded. Stem cell research can cure and help many people with many different diseases. There is no reason to forgo helping the sick people in order to protect a mass of cells. I do not consider embryos as persons with rights that need to be protected. I do not consider them valuable from conception, they have no more intrinsic moral value than any other tissue since a woman has not allowed the embryo to gestate and become viable. Their potential value is not actual value, I do agree with Michael Gazzaniga’s agreement to that effect on page 134 of our book. I also do agree with Singer’s argument on page 136 and embryos have no intrinsic right to live, it is morally permissible to use them in research. When using them in research the embryos are not being implanted into a woman and therefore even if potential value is considered as valuable, the circumstances are not congruent with them utilizing their potential to become a person. Since their potential is not going to be used, why would it be wrong to use their stem cells for research? Now McCormick argues that since we are unsure when life begins we should follow mother’s age old advice of better safe than sorry and treat them as if they are persons. However, I am thoroughly convinced that neither sentience nor personhood occurs anywhere near the first trimester let alone the first 2 weeks and am convinced by current scientific research and data to that effect. Science is never fool proof, nothing in life ever is, but if new research comes about to show contrary to my beliefs, then I reevaluate and change my beliefs based on the new information. However, I do have enough information now to make an informed decision and feel it is necessary to do so considering that the research can help save and improve human lives. The Interest view states that while embryos have no moral status since they cannot feel pain, but they still have moral value like works of art and wilderness, and thus should be protected. However, works of art and wilderness only have moral value because we give them moral value, art helps enrich our lives and we use the wilderness for resources, recreation and to keep balance sustained on our plant, which is necessary to survive. Now, before it was expected for women to be married young and to have lots of children. We gave embryo’s moral value because their gestation ensures the survival of our species. Like the reduction absurdum argument states, if they have value because of this potential to become a person, then women should have as many children as possible. However, this is no longer a societal norm and is no longer expected of women today. It’s not logical or reasonable to do have a large number of children anymore. Today we are faced with overpopulation and we now have the ability to use the embryo’s stem cells for research for potential cures and to save human lives. Embryos are not persons, have never been persons, just our values as a society has changed. Just as our art and our use of wilderness has changed. It’s not a slippery slope we are falling down, those arguments are fallacies; we are simply evolving. I do believe it is ethical to use the leftover eggs from IVF treatments and embryos from abortions. I also believe it is ethical for women to sell their eggs to use for research. I am a woman, they are my eggs, I have had them from birth and there are approx. 300,000 oocytes present in a woman at puberty that can mature into eggs but only about 400 mature so in the women’s reproductive life time. Why waste those eggs when they can be used for important medical breakthroughs? I see no reason why I cannot donate my own tissue for research; it’s just like having the ability to donate my organs and my body to science upon my death. Stem cells in the future could be used to grow one’s own bone, blood, and organs to use when one is sick to solve the problem of anonymous donors. How can the government deny individual’s right to do whatever one wishes with their own tissue? Don’t people have free choice and will, and control over their own bodies?
I am pro stem cell research. There has been a lot of issues thrown around for years about abortion and research. I just don’t agree with the pro life activists at all on this topic. Why? Well first of all , what the reaschers have been able to accumulate in the little amount of time they had to study stem cells, shows a great hope for people who have been less fortunate , and scientists have proven that this study could improve greatly, there quality of life. I have read some articles that tend to lean in the direction of hope and the benefits; in my eyes ,greatly out weigh all the negative press stem cell research has been given. The Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance said: Human pluripotent stem cells are no doubt, possibly a cure for many debilitating diseases, spinal injuries , burns, ext; and the benefits are compelling and worthy with due respect to the ethical standards. The Rand study said: in 2007 the estimated amount of frozen and stored embryos was well over 400,000. Approximately 11,000 of these were donated for research. The Rand study also found there to be no future for these embryos. There were a few couples willing to adopt out for unfertile couples, but not enough due to moral issues. Leaving all these embryos frozen in labs, with the risk of something mechanically going wrong or the process itself failing, in which in almost all cases , the embryos will die anyways.Then there are those labs that will dispose of embryos ,alive or not , down the drains .Some will be incinerated, and others will be exposed to open air to die. Stem cell reascherch could raise the quality of life for over 100,000,000 people. These eggs were already chosen for fertilization in a dish. If not chosen for implantation, for whatever reason, or they were aborted naturally or being the mothers choice. The process has already begun by artificial means. I think it is unethical at this time to dispose of something that give those in need, the gift of life .I absolutely think this process should be legal and funded in United States. For personal reasons, I have a younger brother who two years ago was in an almost fatal car accident. At the age of forty with twin girls and a single father, he was left to be a paraplegic. Now a permanent resident in a hospital dependant upon a ventilator to breath. Weather or not my brother would be willing to except any treatments to better his quality of life, it would be difficult to know there is technology,but unavailable because of a church group that thinks preserving my brothers already existing life is not worthy, because this would bring harm to something that science has already proven not possible. I think this is unethical.
Stem cell research is really controversial and also very beneficial. It promises a lot and its application is continuously providing favorable results. I believe something as heavily promising as stem cell research should not be deprived of its research just because some institution or person claims it to be wrong. We need to be open-minded of both sides, because I do also believe controversies that rise from concerned society needs to be explicitly understood. Whatever the source is (religious or institutional), the general point of the opposition is the misuse of human life and unlimited power given to scientists in ways to get the embryonic stem cells, which is also very reasonable. My agreement (not argument) with the side opposing stem cell research is on what stem cell research brings up with it - aborting, selling stem cells, and giving birth for mere reason of the research. This is why stem cell research is unethical and this is also what gives it its sickening and unacceptable side of it. But I believe we should keep the research in manageable and controlled arena and still ensure the continuum of stem cell research with reduced misapplication, by using embryonic stem cells from aborted babies of rape and uncontrolled phenomenon because they are eventually going to die and also by encouraging researches that try to improve the differentiability of mouse and adult stem cells. By doing this we help the research to get up of its feet while simultaneously increasing our medical advancement to cure diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Since our intention can not be pleasing many particularly segregated point of views, we keep our central attention towards increasing the pace of medical advancement and maintenance of well shaped and ethical society, both being beneficial for the society itself. To do this, stem cell research requires a control body that gives it its limitations. (In my position) I believe the following limitations should apply, for animal research - protection of the animal from danger in anyway possible, for adult stem cell research - the consent of the adult and detail of the experiment to the adult, for embryonic stem cell research - banning the derivation of embryonic stem cells from abortion by choice for the mere reason of research and the marketing of these stem cells. My position is entirely intended to please and help the society in general because the forever ongoing argument between religious facts and medical advancement seem to take us nowhere but slow this process of extremely applicable research determined to help many who are suffering from diseases that we pray not be affected by.
I think that stem cell research is ethical because it can be used in many different ways. Because these cells have the ability to change or adapt to where ever they are being placed whether it is in the lung, liver, etc. I think that in some way in the future stem cell research is going to help us cure some of the diseases that we are having problems today. Even though many people are against stem cell research right know they will find that it was good that others went on and kept doing research because one day they will find a cure for some disease that is killing many people today.
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I think stem cell research is a very touchy subject, I feel a fertilized embryo is life and at which stage they pull the stem cell out is wrong. Then again from one fertilized embryo can save many lives. Now if a woman has already decided to terminate the pregnancy she should consider donating it for research. They should have laws that companies can not buy the embryo from the woman who is terminating her pregnancy.
How do we define ethics? What may be ethical may not be legal. What may be not ethical may be legal. Stem cell is one of the most controversy topics. However, I am for stem cell research. There are many benefits to doing stem cell research. One potential benefit is providing the raw material for virtually every kind of human tissue, new treatments for a wide range of human diseases including diabetes, heart disease, some forms of cancer, and Parkinson's disease can now be developed. Another advantage is the ability to test millions of potential drugs and medicine, without the use of animals or human testers. This requires a process of simulating the effect the drug has on a specific population of cells. This would tell if the drug is useful or problematic. Without stem cell research, medical discoveries and improvements would not have been made without research. However there should be limits such as what to test for and how to safely test. I believe that stem cell research should be permitted in the U.S. We are now in an age of advance technology and it is time to use that technology efficiently. Brain and muscle stem cells have been discovered with replacement cells which would regenerate lost cells (via injury or disease) automatically to fill the void. Stem cell research and results are extremely promising for the up coming future and still needs more extensive research to bring the best benefits in hope to help fight against life threatening diseases. Stem cell research is a vital way to do advance medical research and I believe that the U.S. should permit stem cell research.
Like I’ve said before I have a very biased opinion on stem cell research. I really feel that if the government would fund research we would be able to use adult stem cells over embryonic stem cells. That would get rid of the ethical issue. As of right now I can see why people are so against it. Killing embryo’s isn’t ethical just for the sake of killing embryos isn’t ethical, but using embryos that are going to be killed in an abortion is something I think scientists should really look into. Abortion is legal and therefore there should be no problem using those embryo’s, with the consent of the mother. Many people will say that that’s not solving the problem, if anything that’s adding to it. But I think if these mothers want an abortion so bad, they would feel that basically donating their babies to science, that could some day effect the entire world and all of the diseases known to man, is better than just throwing the embryo’s away. They could be used for something so tremendous. But I firmly believe that funding should be granted for adult stem cell research. If breakthroughs could be made in that, we don’t even have to worry about the ethical issues involving embryonic stem cells. There have been breakthroughs and with basically little funding, imagine if the government was funding it. The possibilities are overwhelming. Stem cell research is one of those issues in today’s society that could either make or break this nation, even the world. If it is done right, stem cells could potentially cure any disease known to man. No matter how rare or complicated the disease. Life is composed of cells and an uncountable amount of cells make up the human body. If the damaged cells are removed and replaced with new cells, the human body is essentially fixed. Millions of Americans suffer from diseases that may eventually be treated more effectively with stem cells or even be cured. I really believe that research involving adult stem cells promises new treatments and possible cures for many diseases and injuries. Stem cell research is an amazing opportunity for the medical world. It is a concept that holds an enormous promise to ease human agony, and federal support is critical to its success.
Stem cell research is such a sensitive and controversial subject that all parties should carefully and systematically consider all the pros and cons. I am against stem cell research because it is unethical.the problem and ethical dilemma come from the intended abortions just for the sake of the research This is not just only unethical but morally inhumane and inappropriate.To creat a human being in the intention to later destroy it and use it to save the lives of an already existing lives is not ethical.Why as a society do we choose to creat a new life in order to save the lives of the older ones?Just because the unborn baby can't defend themselves shouldnot mean that we should harm them.Another example of unethical way of obtaining the embryo is that when scientists creat life in the vitro and then use that live embryo to do the research in order to cure disease or save lives.This is same as intentional abortion because they are destroying a life embryo which is a potential human being.Fertilized eggs in the vitro are no different than the naturally fertilized eggs in human body.We can all remember how the recent birth of the Ocuplets was possible;it is by vitro.This should tell us that on matter how small these embryo's are, they have the powerful DNA to survive and become an individual human being.I think science advancement is a very important part of our future health care system but it should not be at the price of the unborn embryo's.The scientists should do their job in the ethical expectation of the society and obey the law strictly to use only the embryo's obtained following natural miscarriages.This means that they are not allowed to encourage women to have abortion to benefit from it.They shouldn't be allowed to do in vitro fertilization to use for the research.They can only use embryo's that come from natural miscarriages or abortion that are performed to save the lives of mother. I hope the future generation are sensible and humane in considering how valuable the human life is starting from conception and uphold the ethical and moral values of the past generation.
I think stem cell research is ethical it is using the basic building blocks of life to fix problems that have arisen from errors either in life or genetics. Stem cells offer the ability for children that would not live or not well to live full lives and happy ones. I feel though that there is a fine line though if stem cells are used to heal the sick and dying that is one thing but Stem cells could be used for genetic engineering and that is where I say no that line should not be crossed. Basically I am fine with using stem cells in the medical field of medicine especially in the research of stem cells we could figure out how genetic disorders come about and how to stop them. I do feel though that Stem cell research should devote a large amount of time to figuring out how to artificially create stem cells so that it can shake the stigmata of failed life that clings to it. I would say that I see no wrong ethically in using stem cells to heal people if a life is going to be wasted anyway through abortion then let it not be a complete waste let it be used to heal people that if life begins at conception or not at least let that potential of life be used for good.
The research that I feel should be let in the US is the research of creating better medicine through stem cells and the research of creating artificial stem cells. Once an artificial method is made then let in more research but it should all be aimed at medical uses not genetic engineering. The reason I say don’t use stem cells for genetic research like that is despite all the leaps and bounds it could make there is too much that could go wrong with it since humans are complex creatures that even after nearly 100s of years of research we still don’t understand completely to try and remake what we don’t understand strikes me as folly. So I say yes to Stem cells Medical use no to genetic use.
Before this class I did not know much about stem cell research but now I feel like I have a better understanding of what it is. In my opinion stem cell research is ethical. There are many people suffering from different diseases that threaten their life and their way of living. If something like stem cells can help fix those problems then why not do it. I feel as if the people that usually say no to these kinds of procedures are people that have not been in a situation when using this procedure could save their lives or improve it drastically. For example if a child was really ill the parents would usually try anything to help them get better and have a good quality of life. It is very hard to see loved ones suffering. I think that both embryonic and adult stem cell research should be allowed in the US and that there should be funding for it. Adult stem cell research is preferable but when embryonic stem cell research is needed than that should be allowed as well. These procedures should only be used when the person needing the stem cells is already ill and depends on these cells to get better and recover not for genetic engineering. It should not be used when the person is not showing any symptoms or just as a preventative treatment. In addition embryos that are going to be aborted because of the mother’s choice should be used but the mothers should not be paid for these embryos. If the mothers are being paid for these embryos I feel as if it would somewhat encourage mothers to get the procedure done for their own profit. There has to be a balance on this very sensitive issue. We shouldn’t go over board with it but it should be used when needed.
I think stem cell research is ethical in some ways. If using stem cells for experimentation in order to find ways to cure, incurable diseases, then I’m all for it, as long as it’s coming from the discarded embryos left over from IVF or other family planning procedures. I don’t think it should come from women just donated their eggs. Just getting paid for “hatching eggs” and then using them for experimental research I think is just wrong. Their just doing it for the money, whereas, if they come from discarded embryos after family planning procedures, at least these people are trying to have a child and may be successful. Funds should be granted for stem cell research, if it means that one day it would cure a disease and prevent a possible death from happening (saving a life)!!!!
Being a Christian I really had to educate myself on the topic and its ramifications. From what the bible states, it supports curing diseases and alleviating suffering. An example of this is Jesus. During his ministry He traveled and healed many people. Stem cell research has shown great promise in medicine. The most important question concerning stem cell research is, is it ethical? I think before this question can be answered I have to distinguish the two types of stem cells: adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells. Research on adult stem cells has shown over time how it able to treat many diseases. Can be obtained from many parts; born marrow, blood, skin, tissue, and other sources. Research on adult stem cells does not require the loss of life. That is why I believe that adult stem cell research is legitimate. Embryonic stem cells are gathered from human embryos. In order to obtain this, an embryo must be destroyed. The bible teaches us in Psalm 139 that God created us from within our mother’s womb. This for me means that life begins at fertilization. Destroying a living human being is against God’s will. With that, I feel it is morally wrong to conduct research for death in order to perform experiments. I think from what I have said I don’t think there is a problem with adult stem cell research. What limitations could I put on this? I would probably say that the only way research can be done is if the adult is in healthy terms and of age to partake in the experiment in which it will not have repercussions to his or her own life. Though I cannot stop people from donating embryos for research I would hope they really think about how destroying the embryos is really killing a life that didn’t have a chance of deciding on its own to want or not want to live.
Stem cells save lives but it costs a life also. Stem cell research should be limited to life saving treatments only such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, severe burns, etc. I feel that there should be law for women who have too many embryos made at once. I understand that they pay for them but there should be a limit. Embryos are alive but they need to be fertilized for Me to consider researchers' to be killers. I'm sure that the people that are against stem cell research would have very different opinions if they had a family member who could be cured by the research that was made. I also feel that God wouldn't have given us the ability to find a cure or the possibility of a cure in stem cell research if he didn't want us to use it. I know that I hope that stem cell research will find a cure for diabetes, a disease that alot of people in my family suffer from. A disease that I am fighting to not have though I am borderline right now.
Stem cell research is in my opinion our biggest dilemma today in comparison to other controversial issues such as abortion, euthanasia, etc. I am for stem cell research but completely against embryonic stem cell research. Harvesting embryos for stem cells destroys them; it destroys life. I believe that life begins at conception. As I have read the Bible in the book of Psalms and Jeremiah, God spoke that life begins at fertilization. Are we able to justify murder or the destruction of life in exchange of potentially saving another? I support adult stem cell research because it is not destroying life. We should really look into efficient ways of other alternative stem cell research rather than using embryos. So is stem cell research ethical? Of course it is ethical as long as it does not harvest embryos for research. In other words, the only unethical kind is the embryonic stem cell research because it destroys life and potential human beings. The US should fund more on adult and other alternative process of stem cell research to find ways on how to create artificial stem cells similar to those of embryos without actually harvesting stem cells from embryos. As far as adult stem cell research, there should not be any limitations to the funding or to the extent of the study since it is not destroying life.
Stem cell research I believe is ethical with a few exceptions because stem cells research has a promising future to help cure and prevent disorders and diseases. I think that stem cell research is ethical because if the egg donors and sperm donors know what is happening with their egg or sperm so it’s ok to use them it for research. Because they will be used for a good cause it is not a person yet its “potential life” so it does really have a say in what happens to it. I believe this because the stem cells taken from embryos can be used to change into other cells unlike mature stem cells, which know what cells they will become. I think that using stem cells from baby umbilical cords is ok to because the baby is not being put in harm or danger and it contains stem cells that are more “plastic” than the ones found in bone marrow. However, I do not think that it is ethical to use the stem cells from humans because it is really a hassle to try to extract stem cells from the body.
If stem cell research is allowed in the US, I think that umbilical and embryonic stem cell research should allowed but not human stem cells because there are too many hassles and dangers that can happen when trying to extract the cells. However, it would be ok if the person agrees and knows what they are getting themselves into. But as far what they are, researching on I think it would be ok to research on small animals and human participants that allow their consent to be studied on. Just as long as they know what is going to happen to them and what the risks are. But other than that I think the are any things that stem cell research can help with as far as cures and new techniques to help prevention of illness.
I support stem cell research. lets not forget that most, if not all embryos are and will be destroyed if they are not used to create a baby. how would that help anyone? its like the animal research debate, unfortunately many medications and treatments for cancer would not be here without it at the expense of innocent animals. which brings us back to stem cells, how are we gonna find cures for diseases that effect humans alone (that we know of so far) if not without stem cell research? we've all seen or heard of the images of mascara in the eyes of cute bunny rabbits, as if us human are that stupid to stick ourselves in the eye with mascara. what if, lets be fanciful now, what if stem cell research found a cure for AIDS? Imagine that this could be true, are you going to let a moral obligation prevent the possibility of a cure for AIDS? Huntington's Disease can cut ones lifespan in half. We've all seen Michael J Fox and the effects of Parkinson's. I miss Christopher Reeve, he was my first crush as Superman. So no I don't see anything wrong with using embryos that would otherwise be destroyed in research.
Don’t we all love technology. From our laptops to our faster more proficient vehicles that can take us to visit more places that actually use some sort of modern technology in order to keep us entertained. Then, there are medical advances that have actually helped the human race to live longer. Well, all in all I think everyone would agree that technology has benefited our society in one way or another. However, in some ways I believe that technology has surpassed our morals and ethics. As years has gone by I have noticed that our standards of morals have been pressured indirectly to be lowered more and more as the years go by. I believe that stem cells from umbilical cords and adult stem cells are ethically okay, as long as consent is obtained and used in an ethical manner and purpose that directly benefits the person. However, I believe that use of embryonic stem cells for research should have some restrictions. At this time for example, the two ways that scientists are able to obtain embryonic stem cells are from abortions and IVF procedures. Now from these two procedures there were already ethical issues at hand. In order to obtain these stem cells, someone had to make the ethical decision of having an abortion and having an IVF procedure that would result with left over unused embryos. So, these in turn led to the ethical issue of using the embryonic stem cells for research. Scientists in a way are taking advantage of these situations in order to do research. They feel that they are just going to die anyway and why let them go to waste. Well not that I agree with the thought of not letting them go to waste, however I feel that with consent if the person or couple having an abortion or IVF procedure wants to donate their end products they can. I don’t think all of it should be used for any type of stem cell research. There should be goals set that would benefit societies needs as a whole, in order to make progress, and not get side tracked. Furthermore, a certain amount should be given to research groups along with restrictions of how often they can get them and that they should set rules on having them turn in quarterly reports of their research. The reason why I feel that there should be restrictions is the mere fact that I do not believe that embryos should be specifically generated as an industrial product to be exclusively used for research. Then, embryos would be considered like objects. The extra embryos could be used by other couples too. I do recognize and acknowledge that the use of embryonic stem cells have the potential to offer cures and therapies that scientists and society have longed for, however, the downside to using these embryos is the fact the progress in research is still in the experimental stages while adult stem cells have already been used in therapies for over 40 years. The therapies that adult stem cells have been used for are bone marrow transplants which are technically called Hematoporetic stem cells. These cells along with stem cells from umbilical cords have also helped other inherited blood disorders. Adult stem cells are becoming showing indication of potential cures that they could possibly be reprogrammed to return to embryonic stem cell like cells which can lead to further uses in other cell replacement therapies without the raising up anymore red ethical flags then what is needed.
At first I didn’t believe that embryonic stem cell research was ethical however, I have since learned more about this topic and am for it as long as strict restrictions are enforced on how the embryos are obtained. I would agree to a woman donating her eggs for research as long as she fully understood what they may be used for. The same goes for the man donating his sperm, he needs to fully accept and understand that they may be used to fertilize an egg and NOT end up as a baby. I would strongly be against stem cell research if the embryos were obtained by a woman getting pregnant just to have an abortion. I guess this is my way of separating human creation from science. In my mind it makes me feel better knowing that a child was not created but rather just an egg fertilized by sperm … is just an embryo. I feel this way because we have the technology and science to cure and prevent many debilitating diseases such as Parkinson’s with this research. We should use what resources we can to help people with this disease as well as many others.
I have a family member with Parkinson’s disease and see what it has done to her in the past 5 years. She has slowly progressed into non-stop shaking, soreness all over her body, difficulty writing, walking up stairs, and sometimes to get a fork with food on it to her mouth. She is very independent and has tried several different medications however it is only helping manage the disease not cure it. If I was in this situation I would donate my eggs to be used for this type of research. I would want every possible option evaluated and researched to cure me and possibly save my life.
For all the same reasons stated above my answer to the US having any type of stem cell research would be yes. Again only if the egg and sperm were donated and no abortions took place. I also feel that there would need to be strict monitoring of the embryos to ensure that they are destroyed in the proper time frame. I believe this is about 14 days, this MUST be enforced. There will be no gray areas of the research, the government and the scientists must not falter from these restrictions in anyway. A man or woman should not profit monetarily in ANYWAY whatsoever for their eggs and sperm. If we think scientifically about this a woman only produces so many eggs in her life time. She will never have all them fertilized and grow into babies. So I feel it would be ethical to use some of them for stem cell research. I worry that a “super human” could be created from this research however don’t feel that this would ever happen in my lifetime so I try to keep that thought out of my mind as much as possible when it comes to this topic. Being raised a Catholic my mother and grandmother would probably have a fit if I told them I feel this way, thankfully this is not a topic that we discuss. If it would ever come up I would share my thoughts and explain to them why and I believe they may also feel a little bit the same.
I do believe that stem cell research is ethical for both adult and embryonic stem cells, and should be used and funded. Stem cell research can cure and help many people with many different diseases. There is no reason to forgo helping the sick people in order to protect a mass of cells. I do not consider embryos as persons with rights that need to be protected. I do not consider them valuable from conception, they have no more intrinsic moral value than any other tissue since a woman has not allowed the embryo to gestate and become viable. Their potential value is not actual value, I do agree with Michael Gazzaniga’s agreement to that effect on page 134 of our book. I also do agree with Singer’s argument on page 136 and embryos have no intrinsic right to live, it is morally permissible to use them in research. When using them in research the embryos are not being implanted into a woman and therefore even if potential value is considered as valuable, the circumstances are not congruent with them utilizing their potential to become a person. Since their potential is not going to be used, why would it be wrong to use their stem cells for research? Now McCormick argues that since we are unsure when life begins we should follow mother’s age old advice of better safe than sorry and treat them as if they are persons. However, I am thoroughly convinced that neither sentience nor personhood occurs anywhere near the first trimester let alone the first 2 weeks and am convinced by current scientific research and data to that effect. Science is never fool proof, nothing in life ever is, but if new research comes about to show contrary to my beliefs, then I reevaluate and change my beliefs based on the new information. However, I do have enough information now to make an informed decision and feel it is necessary to do so considering that the research can help save and improve human lives.
The Interest view states that while embryos have no moral status since they cannot feel pain, but they still have moral value like works of art and wilderness, and thus should be protected. However, works of art and wilderness only have moral value because we give them moral value, art helps enrich our lives and we use the wilderness for resources, recreation and to keep balance sustained on our plant, which is necessary to survive. Now, before it was expected for women to be married young and to have lots of children. We gave embryo’s moral value because their gestation ensures the survival of our species. Like the reduction absurdum argument states, if they have value because of this potential to become a person, then women should have as many children as possible. However, this is no longer a societal norm and is no longer expected of women today. It’s not logical or reasonable to do have a large number of children anymore. Today we are faced with overpopulation and we now have the ability to use the embryo’s stem cells for research for potential cures and to save human lives. Embryos are not persons, have never been persons, just our values as a society has changed. Just as our art and our use of wilderness has changed. It’s not a slippery slope we are falling down, those arguments are fallacies; we are simply evolving.
I do believe it is ethical to use the leftover eggs from IVF treatments and embryos from abortions. I also believe it is ethical for women to sell their eggs to use for research. I am a woman, they are my eggs, I have had them from birth and there are approx. 300,000 oocytes present in a woman at puberty that can mature into eggs but only about 400 mature so in the women’s reproductive life time. Why waste those eggs when they can be used for important medical breakthroughs? I see no reason why I cannot donate my own tissue for research; it’s just like having the ability to donate my organs and my body to science upon my death. Stem cells in the future could be used to grow one’s own bone, blood, and organs to use when one is sick to solve the problem of anonymous donors. How can the government deny individual’s right to do whatever one wishes with their own tissue? Don’t people have free choice and will, and control over their own bodies?
Miriam
I am pro stem cell research. There has been a lot of issues thrown around for years about abortion and research. I just don’t agree with the pro life activists at all on this topic. Why? Well first of all , what the reaschers have been able to accumulate in the little amount of time they had to study stem cells, shows a great hope for people who have been less fortunate , and scientists have proven that this study could improve greatly, there quality of life. I have read some articles that tend to lean in the direction of hope and the benefits; in my eyes ,greatly out weigh all the negative press stem cell research has been given. The Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance said: Human pluripotent stem cells are no doubt, possibly a cure for many debilitating diseases, spinal injuries , burns, ext; and the benefits are compelling and worthy with due respect to the ethical standards. The Rand study said: in 2007 the estimated amount of frozen and stored embryos was well over 400,000. Approximately 11,000 of these were donated for research. The Rand study also found there to be no future for these embryos. There were a few couples willing to adopt out for unfertile couples, but not enough due to moral issues. Leaving all these embryos frozen in labs, with the risk of something mechanically going wrong or the process itself failing, in which in almost all cases , the embryos will die anyways.Then there are those labs that will dispose of embryos ,alive or not , down the drains .Some will be incinerated, and others will be exposed to open air to die. Stem cell reascherch could raise the quality of life for over 100,000,000 people. These eggs were already chosen for fertilization in a dish. If not chosen for implantation, for whatever reason, or they were aborted naturally or being the mothers choice. The process has already begun by artificial means. I think it is unethical at this time to dispose of something that give those in need, the gift of life .I absolutely think this process should be legal and funded in United States. For personal reasons, I have a younger brother who two years ago was in an almost fatal car accident. At the age of forty with twin girls and a single father, he was left to be a paraplegic. Now a permanent resident in a hospital dependant upon a ventilator to breath. Weather or not my brother would be willing to except any treatments to better his quality of life, it would be difficult to know there is technology,but unavailable because of a church group that thinks preserving my brothers already existing life is not worthy, because this would bring harm to something that science has already proven not possible. I think this is unethical.
Stem cell research is really controversial and also very beneficial. It promises a lot and its application is continuously providing favorable results. I believe something as heavily promising as stem cell research should not be deprived of its research just because some institution or person claims it to be wrong. We need to be open-minded of both sides, because I do also believe controversies that rise from concerned society needs to be explicitly understood. Whatever the source is (religious or institutional), the general point of the opposition is the misuse of human life and unlimited power given to scientists in ways to get the embryonic stem cells, which is also very reasonable. My agreement (not argument) with the side opposing stem cell research is on what stem cell research brings up with it - aborting, selling stem cells, and giving birth for mere reason of the research. This is why stem cell research is unethical and this is also what gives it its sickening and unacceptable side of it. But I believe we should keep the research in manageable and controlled arena and still ensure the continuum of stem cell research with reduced misapplication, by using embryonic stem cells from aborted babies of rape and uncontrolled phenomenon because they are eventually going to die and also by encouraging researches that try to improve the differentiability of mouse and adult stem cells. By doing this we help the research to get up of its feet while simultaneously increasing our medical advancement to cure diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Since our intention can not be pleasing many particularly segregated point of views, we keep our central attention towards increasing the pace of medical advancement and maintenance of well shaped and ethical society, both being beneficial for the society itself. To do this, stem cell research requires a control body that gives it its limitations. (In my position) I believe the following limitations should apply, for animal research - protection of the animal from danger in anyway possible, for adult stem cell research - the consent of the adult and detail of the experiment to the adult, for embryonic stem cell research - banning the derivation of embryonic stem cells from abortion by choice for the mere reason of research and the marketing of these stem cells. My position is entirely intended to please and help the society in general because the forever ongoing argument between religious facts and medical advancement seem to take us nowhere but slow this process of extremely applicable research determined to help many who are suffering from diseases that we pray not be affected by.
I think that stem cell research is ethical because it can be used in many different ways. Because these cells have the ability to change or adapt to where ever they are being placed whether it is in the lung, liver, etc. I think that in some way in the future stem cell research is going to help us cure some of the diseases that we are having problems today. Even though many people are against stem cell research right know they will find that it was good that others went on and kept doing research because one day they will find a cure for some disease that is killing many people today.
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