AN ETHICAL DILEMMA // // Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Running Head:EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH: AN ETHICAL DILEMMA

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Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Ethical Dilemma

Haley E. Frey

Chambersburg Area Senior High School

EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH: AN ETHICAL DILEMMA 2

Abstract

The discovery of embryonic stem cells has been one of the greatest medical

advancements made to date. The use of stem cells have the potential to save many lives,

as they can be used to treat many health conditions that were once thought to be

incurable. The problem with stem cell use, however, lies in ethical dilemma that they

involve that has created a divisive controversy. Since a fertilized, human embryo must be

terminated for the stem cells to be extracted, the opponents of embryonic stem cell

research hold that in is immoral to end one potential life in order to save another. Even

still, some find great value in the use of embryonic stem cell research and are in great

favor of it, including the culTent President of the United States. Above all else, it is lefi up

to the individual to face the difficult ethical decision on their own.

Keywords: Embryonic stem cells, ethics


Embryonic Stern Cell Research:

An Ethical Dilemma

Until the human race ceases to exist, maintaining optimal health will continue to

remain vital for a leading a productive life. As new medical discoveries surface through

the generations, humans become healthier, therefoie, life expectancies natui ally use One

of today’s most widely debated areas of medical discoveries that have the potential to

contribute greatly to human health includes the research of embryonic stem cells. Stern

cells’ value comes from their potential to differentiate into cells with specialized

functions and replicate many times. Particularly, in many tissues they “serve as a sort of

internal repair system” (“Stem Cell Basics”, 2015), dividing essentially without limit to

replenish other cells as long as the person is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each

new cell is able to either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more

specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a nerve cell, a blood cell, or a brain cell. The

use of stem cells have the potential to solve many debilitating health complications

including, but not limited to Alzheimer’s Disease, osteoarthñtis, burns, spinal cord injury,

nerve damage and heart disease. Why, then, do stem cell debates create such a large

uproar?

Opponents of embryonic stem cell research compare the destruction of an embryo

to an abortion. They commonly hold the belief that the embryo constitutes life because it

has the potential to fully develop into a human being. Those against embryonic stem cell


use also typically believe that is it immoral and unethical to destroy one life to save

another. By using stem cells and discarding the embryo as shown in the figure, it is

/ thought that human life is ultimately devalued by this act and is paving the way for/

further scientific Making embryonic stem cells

proceduies that I r ihu up. q hcq it iu hm AI h d hum m th ft4 U torn nq m n h ru 0 d

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similarly devalue life, dor

such as humancuoi u:3

cloning In particular,

many religious

groups who are adamantly pro-life have condemned embryonic stem cell research and all

of its applications. Other arguments against embryonic stem cells cite the fact that adult

stem cells are the ones currently being used in therapies and thus, there is no need to even

venture into embryonic stem cell territory. By all accounts, “scientists have discovered a

method whereby adult skin cells can be modified in a way that appears to give them

many of the properties of embryonic stem cells” (Blackwell, 2013). Consequently, the use

of embryonic sterns cells could be avoided altogether by this medical breakthrough with

adult stem cells.

Even still, there remains a sizable number of individuals who are advocates for the

application of embryonic stem cells in the field of medicine. While both adult stem cells

and embryonic stem cells have monumental therapeutic potential, embryonic stem cells

Stem cell *our:.


simply piovide the potential for a wider variety of applications than adult stem cells This

is due to the fact that embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and therefore have the capacity

to become any type of bodily cell. In contrast, adult stem cells are believed to only

differentiate into the type of cell found in their tissue of origin (“Stern Cell Basics”,.

2015). Also significant is the ability of embryonic stem cells to multiply rapidly in

culture. For this reason, embryonic stem cells are more ideal in that “Adult stem cells are

rare in mature tissues, so isolating these cells from an adult tissue is challenging” (“Stern

Cell Basics”, 2015), and alternative methods that would allow their numbers to be

expanded in culture have not yet been fully developed This is a sigrnficant drawback

considering a very large amount of stem cells are needed in the application of stern cell to

medical therapies.

With debates over the use of embryonic stem cells becoming more prominent, the

United States government has intervened. During his presidency in 2001, President

George W. Bush restricted federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Under this

new limitation, funds could be spent on existing embryonic stem cell research, but no

funding would be allocated to new research in which it would be required for additional

embryos to be destroyed. President Bush explained that” ‘[His] position on the issue is

shaped by his deeply held beliefs... [in that] human life is a sacred gift from our

Creator” (Park, 2012). Shortly after his election, President Obama signed an executive

order that would lifithe ban on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. In a


2009 speech, Obama made his remarks on the controversy of supplying stem cell

researchers with federal funds:

Promoting science isn’t just about providing resources -- it’s also about protecting

free and open inquiry. It’s about letting scientists like those who are here today do

their jobs, free from manipulation or coercion, and listening to what they tell us,

even when it’s inconvenient -- especially when it’s inconvenient. It is about

ensuring that scientific data is never distorted or concealed to serve a political

agenda -- and that we make scientific decisions based on facts, not ideology. By

doing this, we will ensure America’s continued global leadership in scientific

discoveries and technological breakthroughs. And that is essential not only for our

economic prosperity, but for the progress of all humanity (Obama, 2009).

Also in the speech, the President addressed the reason he believes the use of embryonic

stem cells is not a violation of his moral code. It is his understanding as a person of faith

that everyone is to care for one another and work to ease human suffering, and since we

have been given the ability to pursue this type research, we should make use of the

technologies we have been given for the betterment of humanity (Obama, 2009).

Ultimately, the question of whether or not the use of embryonic stem cells in

medicine is ethical will always yield an ambiguous answer. To obtain these embryonic

stem cells, fertilized, human embryos must be terminated. By definition, the acquisition

of the embryonic stem cells includes performing an abortion. This has created a great stir


in the public world, where abortion is such a hot topic that even politicians are hesitant to

take either side at times. In a sense, the embryonic stem cell is modern medicine’s

Pandora’s Box. With this option now available in the medical world, everyone involved

with this topic must make a difficult ethical decision: whether or not saving existing life

is worth the termination of potential future life.

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References

Blackwell, K. (2013). Ignored implications. In Genetic Engineering. Retrieved from

Opposing Viewpoints in Context database. (Reprinted from World Magazine,

2009)

SUMMARY: In this viewpoint, Ken Blackwell argues that there are serious

moral problems with embryonic stem cell research. Blackwell contends that the

law should protect life by not allowing embryonic stem cells to be harvested

since the process requires the destruction of human embryos.

EVALUATION: This credible article will be beneficial to be in describing the

ethical dilemma associated with stem cell research. The author, Ken Blackwell,

uses compelling language to convey his ideas. I could potentially integrate his

ideas into my argument of the anti stem cell research stance.

Making embryonic stem cells [Infographic]. (n.d.). Retrieved fiom

hftp /I;2 wp com!mnTol smagazrne comlwp-content/uploads/20 1 5/04/Pro-Emb;yon

ic-Stem-Cell-Research-Facts.jpg

SUMMARY: This infographic that was originally from the Chicago Tribune

summarizes the process of deriving stem cells from human embryos. A

combination of words and graphics are used to describe the process.

9

EVALUATION: The information provided by this infographic could be

supplement (and simplify) my explanation of the stem cell retrieval process

from embryos. it could possibly contribute to my explanation of the brutality of

the use of embryos in the research as well, provided that they must be destroyed

to extract the stem cells.

Obama, B. (2009, March 9). Obama remarks on stem cell research [Lecture notes].

SUMMARY: President Obama speaks about the legislation he will sign that

will lift the ban of federally funded stem cell research. He addresses the

importance of expanding stem cell innovations.

EVALUATION: This article could be used to emphasize the importance of stern

cell research in my argument. The president’s point of view holds weight

among many Americans, so his ideas could strengthen my argument.

Paik, A (2012, August 20) Geoige W Bush and the stern cell ieseaich funding

ban Retrieved Maich 30, 2016, from TIME website

http://health1and.time.com/2012/08/2 1/legitimate-rape-todd-akin-and-other-

politicians-who-conftise-science/slide/bush-bans-stem-cell-research!

Stem cell basics (2015, Maich 5) Retneved Maich 30, 2016, fiom National Institutes of

Health website: hftp://sterncells.nih.gov/info/basics/pages/basicsl .aspx

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.; - . One source may not appear very credible. lack of applicable sources used,Research Integration: Sources are exceptionally well- Sources are well-integrated and support Sources supped some claims made in the Sources are not integrated into theAPA integration and integrated and they support the claim the paper’s claims. There may be paper, but might not be integrated well essay and/or sources are not citedcitation rules and the warrants argued in the paper occasional errors, but the sources and within the papers argument, i.e. quotes correctly according to APA style, norvery effectively. High quality evidence Works Cited mostly conform to APA are not introduced. There may be a few listed correctly on the Wods Citedselected to prove essay’s claims. rules, Mostly high quality evidence errors in APA formatting. Some quality page. Lack of high quality evidenceQuotations and Works Cited conform selected to prove essay’s claims. evidence selected to prove essay’s selected to prove essay’s claims.to APA rules. claims.

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Style: - There is clear use of a personal and There is an attempt at a personal style There is little attempt at developing a No attempt at dynamic word choice,Word choice, Tone, Voice unique style of writing, suited to but style of writing may be awkward or personal style; reads as flat and perhaps lack of tone, writer’s voice is

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‘ with ease. perspective with ease.Grammar & Mechanics: No errors in gradmar,spllihg, A few errors in grammar, spelling, Shows a repetitive pattern of errors in Continuous errors across multipleSpelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. capitalization, etc., but not many. spelling, grammar, capitalization, etc. areas.capitalization, etc. t4bficulous proofreading is evident. Proofreading is evident. Laclc of proof-reading evident. Serious laclc of proof-reading

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Preparation: Strong evidence of essay preparation, ‘ Mostly strong evidence of essay Some evidence of essay preparation, Laclc of evidence of essayNote-malfing technique, including note-making techniques and preparation, including note-making including note-making techniques and preparation, including note-malcingoutlining, source essay revision through self and peer )pbhniques and essay revision through essay revision through self and peer techniques and essay revisionevaluation paperwork, review, self and peer review. ‘ review, through self and peer review,revision, etc. I . -

Co o’tirnle n’tits:

TOTAL . 1165

A 151-165 13715O C 120-136 D107-119 F106

AN ETHICAL DILEMMA // // Embryonic Stem Cell Research

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