A brief introduction on the ethics of stem cells
Stem cells spark a hot debate within the media whenever scientists intend to conduct research on it. Stem cells are cells that can differentiate into any type of cell in the body. However, this is only limited to the embryonic stem cells, since stem cells from adults are limited in terms of what they can differentiate into. Being extracted from embryos, this raises many ethical concerns. The general consensus from religious groups and politicians is that the embryo has the potential to become a human being, but then their viewpoint branches a bit. Religious groups view that “human life begins at conception”, therefore, the embryo has rights and interests that must be respected. To ‘kill’ the embryo for research would be tantamount to murder. (1)
Politicians view that dealing with embryos is wrong in general. President Bush hindered stem cell research by only allowing research to be taken from existing embryonic stem cell lines, since the embryo has already been killed and they can just keep on being cultured. (2) This causes many problems. For one, if a mutation were to occur, the whole cell line cannot be used anymore. Another disadvantage is that it will be hard to acquire a sample for research.
Though it may seem attractive in terms of advancing medical cures if the regulation of stem cells were lessened, this can cause more problems. This newfound technology may be used negatively, such as by certain governments to gain a political or military advantage, or if it is lessened to the point where the public can easily gain access to it, the outcomes are unpredictable and can be very dangerous to society. Therefore, regulations are important when it comes to newfound technology, though this may greatly slow down research for medical intentions.
So, where do you stand in this matter? Do you think that stem cells should be under strict regulations? Or should the regulations be lessened, but only for certain medical organizations that are aiming to use to for medical cures?
Tang Mahathorn
January 2020
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1. Lo, B., & Parham, L. (2009). Ethical issues in stem cell research. Endocrine reviews, 30(3), 204–213. doi:10.1210/er.2008-0031
2. ibid