Zamitiz 1

Yasmin Zamitiz

Professor Batty

English, 28

1 May, 2017

The Dark Side of Science

Stem cell research is a controversial topic, because a potential human life must be

destroyed to benefit others. Stem cells have a remarkable potential to develop into many

different cell types in the body during early stages of life and growth, states (NIH). For this

reason, scientists have been researching on two types of stem cells known as embryotic stem

cells, (ESC) and Adult stem cells (ASC). Embryotic stem cell, is a highly versatile stem cell that

is being used for research to find cures for diseases for its ability to differentiate into more than

two hundred completely new tissue types in the human body, for example kidneys, liver, muscle

and red blood cells. Thus, these mean that the life of an embryo should be considered less than

any other human? For the reason that stem cells has the potential to advance in modern medicine.

Many scientists that are conducting ESC research are trying to develop cures that could

benefit many patients with diabetes, Parkinsons disease as well as other treatments that would

allowed the repair of spinal cord injuries cause by physical activity. As for adult stem cells, ASC

they come from different organs in the human body such as the bone marrow, liver and skin.

However, they are more difficult to obtain from the body, as they are also limited in developing

into fewer tissue types. In terms of research, ASC may take longer in order to conclude a

research, whereas ESC may take less time due to it fast production of tissue.
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ESC has been controversy since it comes from a womans egg that has been fertilized by

sperm, also known as zygotes. After about five days. The zygotes develops into a ball of around

one hundredfifty cells called a blastocyst, a very early stage embryo according to (Marcia

Clemmitt), which are only found in the center of an embryotic stem cell. However, many argue

that having to destroy a life of an embryo for research, outweigh the benefits of ESC research.

According to some Pro-life organizations such as the Roman Catholic Church, believes

that life begins as early as fertilization. They believe that every human should be treated with the

same moral right as any other human, even at its earliest development in life. Richard Doeflinger

an official at the National Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, We must not sacrifice one

class of human to benefit others (Gaels Publishing) explains.

Furthermore, some people disagree. For instance, Gaels Publishing write on her article

Opposing View Points, that embryos should not be treated as having the same moral status as

children or adults banning ESC research by such reasoning ends as she quotes David Holberg

who says, sacrificing real humans beings for microscopic clumps of cells. I strongly disagree

with this statement because I believe that every human life should be treated with the same moral

rights.

Studies show that ESC research gives the opportunity of human cloning, in 1998 at the

University of Wisconsin; James Thompson isolated his first embryotic stem cell from its

blastocyst giving the ability to clone. According to Clemmitt This would require cloning

embryos for the sole purpose of destroying them. should scientist counterview to take advantage

of those who dont have a voice?

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In 1951 at John Hopkins Hospital a woman by the mane of Henrietta lack was one of a

few African American that was stripped of her human rights, with no knowledge of the research

performed on her. Doctor Lawrence Wharton, took two pieces of tissue from her cervix, without

Henriettas consent and knowledge. Henrietta died at the age of 31 years old from cervical

cancer. Henriettas cells became one of the most valuable cells in history for its immortality to

multiply infinitely. In the book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks says The reason

Henriettas cells were so precious was because they allowed scientist to perform experiments that

would be impossible with a living human. They cut HeLa cells apart and exposed them to

endless toxins and infections [] (58). Similarly, Human embryotic stem cells are being

treated; their lives are cut short for research. Henriettas cells out lived her and touch almost

every human in this planet in the form of vaccinations and other cures without giving her any

recognition. This is one example that some doctors who conduct ESC research are only

interested in completing their scientific agendas.

On one hand David Holcbergs argument is profile to an extent because one potential life

has to be sacrificed in order to benefit more. Stem cell research has a potential that needs

emphasizing, consider the fact that ASC research can be beneficial in curing other illness. On the

other hand, it may be consider morally acceptable by most people to perform more ASC

research, as long as there is a patient consent and knowledge. In recent studies scientist have

developed a new way to reprogram ASC, in 2006 Researchers at Kyoto University in Japan, have

discovered a new stem cell line called Induce Pluripotent stem cells, (IPSC). Thus are said to

come from adult stem cells found in the skin tissue and are able to genetically reprogram to

become pluripotent. This means they are able to differentiate into most cell types of an organism.

Pluripotent is only found in ECS. Therefore, this new IPSC might eliminate the need to use ESC
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for research in the near future. Although further research is needed before scientist can use IPSC

in modern medicine.

In conclusion, although science and research has many good benefits that have helped

save lives and has given the opportunity for medicine to advance in treatments. We should not

abuse peoples rights for our own benefits. Every living human should have the right to be

treated equal even at its smallest form of life, race, economical status, or educational level.
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Source Citation.

Clemmitt, M. (2006, September 1). Stem cell research. CQ Researcher, 16, 697-720. Retrieved

from http:// library.cqpress.com/

NIH Stem Cell Information Home Page. In Stem Cell Information [World Wide Web site].

Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

2016 [cited April 28, 2017] Available at < //stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/1.htm>

Stem Cells." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2015. Science in Context,

link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/PC3010999132/SCIC?u=lavc_main&xid=25906fbe.

Accessed 16 Apr. 2017.

Skloot, Rebecca. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. New York: Crown, 2010. Print.