Kruse, Laura. "Stem Cell Research: Ethical Considerations." WPXI: Pittsburgh News. 11 15 2006. Web. 12 Nov 2009. Article Link.
Stem cell ethics are deeply interwoven in political debate, moral discussions and religious paradigms. Controversy is not inherently linked to one group or the other – rather there appears to be some universal arguments for and against embryonic stem cell research. Based on Laura Kruse’s article, it seems that no matter how well scientists advocate for embryonic stem cell research and promise valuable therapies for the future, there will always be ethical quandaries shadowing the research’s many anticipated benefits.
Embryonic stem cells are more useful than adult stem cells and demonstrate more promise for generating specialized tissue (like nerve tissue). Some argue from a Utilitarian perspective – the anticipated benefits of the research outweigh the costs of conducting it. Others argue that this research is ethically sound because blastocysts are not human – a reflection of the imperative, truly individualistic, bioethical question of when an embryo becomes a life with a right to personhood. Finally, people argue that these cells are good for research methodology because they can be ‘recycled’ from IVF clinics that would otherwise destroy and discard the unused embryos.
Kruse’s article is also especially interesting because she acknowledges that a significant source of resistance to embryonic stem cell research is the unknown variable that it elicits. There are still lots of ‘unknowns’ surrounding the research and this might scare the general public because they might see science as becoming this overwhelming, manipulative vector in society that can abuse human cells – especially if the public does not understand the methodology of the science. And what about human cloning? I’m sure that’s another thought on some people’s radar …
In addition to fear of the potential power that science might acquire, other individuals argue that embryos are lives and that we should be exploring other alternatives to embryonic stem cell research. Some think that the promise of this research has been overstated and scientists should utilize adult stem cells to advance therapies. But one might counter with, ‘Isn’t it unethical to not conduct research aiming toward treatments of severe conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, that scientists believe can truly be treated with embryonic stem cells? The debate goes round and round …
Kruse’s article was printed in 2006. Since than, Obama has been elected President and has issued an Executive Order entitled Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells. At the time there were no clinical trials in existence using stem cells, though this group has identified several articles (to be posted in the next group of 6) that discuss preliminary stem cell research and even an FDA approved clinical trial!
In summary, embryonic stem cell research is heavily rooted in bioethics. Proponents argue the implications of removing stem cells and destroying human embryos, the potential for unused embryos in IVF clinics, and the age-old debate of when an embryo is considered to be a human. Is this at the time of implantation to the uterine wall? Maybe with the first heartbeat? Yet others argue this is established with the first wave or brain activity. The truth is there is no one answer.
The ethics are complicated and they continue to divide policymakers. The immediate questions surrounding the debate are whether public money should be spent on research, how the debate will determine the outcome of public policy and if opponents to stem cell research should stop others from engaging in it. It is unlikely that these questions will be resolved anytime soon but it will also be exciting to see policy change throughout Obama’s administration. Maybe more research is what’s needed to convince others that stem cells are a viable treatment option. Besides, scientists have invested too much already to abandon this innovative research that has the potential to revolutionize biotechnology.
~ Courtney Mannino
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