Ethics Of Stem Cell Research

Most of the controversy surrounding stem cells centers upon the use of human embryonic stem cells. These calls are characterized by their ability to renew themselves and to differentiate into all types of cells of the body. The main goal of embryonic stem cell research is to identify the mechanisms that control cell differentiation in order to produce treatments for debilitating and life-threatening diseases and injuries.
Why has this therapy been met with such heated opposition? It is because the harvesting of embryonic stem cells involves the destruction of the human embryo. Embryonic stem cells are derived in vitro at around the fifth day of the embryo's development. At this stage, a typical day-five human embryo is made of 200-250 cells. Human embryonic stem cells are harvested from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, which consists about 30-34 cells. The derivation of embryonic stem cells requires the removal of the outer layer of cells, and this eliminates the embryo’s potential for further development. Opponents of embryonic stem cells research argue that the research is morally impermissible because it involves the killing of innocent life.
The answer to this dilemma might come from alternate sources of stem cells. Scientists have recently succeeded in converting adult human cells into cells that appear to have the properties of embryonic stem cells. These reprogrammed cells - “induced pluripotent stem cells” - could one day eliminate the need for embryonic stem cells. Another promising avenue of research is umbilical cord blood, which is the blood that remains in the placenta and in the umbilical cord after childbirth. Cord blood contains stem cells, such as hematopoietic cells, which can be used to treat hematopoietic and genetic disorders.
At present, most people in the scientific community agree that research should be pursued into both human embryonic stem cells as well as stem cells from other sources. It isn’t yet known whether other stem cells have the same potential as embryonic stem cells, or whether it is safe to transplant them into human beings. Thus, the stem cell controversy will continue, at least in the near-term.