Well, with this new research coming out of South Korea on embryonic stem cell research i thought it important to abnegate the expression of my other current thoughts/concerns on this blog and instead to process and express my thoughts here on the topic of stem cell research (sorry, i just had to find a way to use the google word of the day). Some quick background - Stemcells are cells that can be used to form any type of other cells in the human body. Thus they have the potential to do things like grow replacement organs, such as a perfectly matched new kidney for a necessary kidney transplant, as well as to cure diseases such as alzheimers. So you get the idea, lots of potential.
If there is so much potential for this kind of research, than why is it so controversial?
Stem cell research in and of itself is not so controversial. The problem comes in how we gain access to those stem cells. Embryonic Stem Cells are where the controversy lie. Just to save myself some headache i will call them ESC's. Currently the only way to harvest ESC's are to kill an embryo (aka. abort a baby) and take the stem-cells from the embryo/baby's brain. Thus, the problem is that the research will cost lives to save lives. Now we get into a major moral dilemma. What is the value of a human life? Is it worth it to kill an embryo/baby (who may live to be 80 years old naturally) to help a wealthy 75 year old man be able to live out the last 5 years of his life being able to take care of himself? Well, what if the patient was a 4 year old child with AIDS? Then is it worth it?
Well, i have to go so i will have to finish this post later... Sorry to leave you hanging like this.
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1 comment:
I hope they don't do The Stem Cell. I consider it abortion. A Very Good Article. Can't Wiat to see more.
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