Stem_Cells

Is the potential of stem cell research over- stated' By Danielle Hooper Stem cells are unique cells with special growing characteristics. They can make identical copies of themselves and are found throughout the body. For example, a nerve cell stays a nerve cell until it dies. Stem cells, however, can change into many types of cells, blood cells, heart cells, muscle cells, skin cell and more. When a stem cell divides it has the potential to remain a stem cell or become a different cell. There are two different types of stem cells, embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. “Embryonic stem cells come from embryos. The embryo is destroyed and the stem cells are extracted. Adult stem cells are taken from humans (children and adults) without harming them.”(Healey, 2003) Embryonic stem cells are able to divide into any type of specialized cell, while adult stem cells are limited to the amount of cells they can differentiate in to. The only stem cell to have ever helped patients has been adult stem cells, while embryonic stem cells have a zero success rate. This is because embryonic stem cells destroy human embryos. The aim of taking embryonic stem cells is to save another life not take them. “Researchers believe that stem cells may revolutionise human medicine through their ability to make new cells to replace patient’s diseased or damaged cells. Incurable diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, heart attack, stroke and traumatic brain injury could be treated by transferring new cells, generated from stem cells, to the patient.”(Healey, 2003) “Australian Researchers in Melbourne have found a way how to take adult stem cells from the human brain. This could cure people who have Neurological conditions.”(Abboud, 2003) A Melbourne man was one of the first people to have his own stem cells mend his broken leg. The Doctor harvested bone marrow from his pelvis; they were left isolated and grew in massive amounts. In the last week about 30 million cells were implanted into his bone which is expected to generate new bone. (Pountney, 2006) The main ethical concern about the use of embryonic stem cells is that a human embryo must be destroyed, despite the enormous potential for improving the quality of life for people suffering incurable diseases. “Opponents of human embryo research claim no benefit can justify the destruction of an embryo.”(Healey, 2003) The human embryo is a distinct, living human being and is entitled to the same rights as any other human being. “All premiers and most members of the federal parliamentary committee support using the leftover embryos for stem cell research, in the hope that this will help mankind. Most Australians recognize that controlled risk taking has helped make society healthier and stronger.”(n.a 2002) Although many people agree with stem cell research part of society also disagree and say that it is the destruction of what they regard as human life. There are many political debates on whether stem cell research should be continued or stopped. In Australia it depends on society because Australia is a democracy. A government committee member stated “In our society there are many views on this matter. As long as stem cell research is done on society’s terms most people will agree and live with that.”(n.a 2002) A full research program of stem cells is unknown and therefore should not be over – stated. Some people argue that stem cell research has the potential to save lives. But others argue it will also take them. Even though embryonic stem cell research takes a life, adult stem cells will help many. Embryonic stem cell research will have to be further studied, so that in the future they will know the rights and wrongs of it. On the other hand, evidence has been shown that adult stem cells have already been known to help someone. There is no harm in taking one’s own stem cells if they consent to doing it. References J, Healey(2003), Stem Cell Research. The Spinney Press, Australia. A, Abboud(2003) The Stem Cell Debate, Australasian Bioethics Information. M, Pountney (2006) World First Stem Cell Surgery, Newspaper article. n.a (2002) Society Supports Stem Cell Research, The Australian. Newspaper Article