Embryonic stem cells have been a popular topic of controversy in our society in recent years. Researchers have enthusiastically studied the benefits and properties of these cells and how they could be used to improve health and even save human lives. However, the method of deriving embryonic stem cells is the focal point of the argument surrounding this research. Embryonic stem cells are undifferentiated cells, which means they can grow indefinitely, possibly allowing them to become a source for adult cells such as bone, muscle, liver, blood, or other cells. The medical importance is that if these embryonic stem cells can have their development specifically directed, they can become neutral tissue or other cells that could benefit those with diseases and other medical problems by replacing faulty cells with healthy ones.
However, human embryonic stem cells come from fertilized embryos less than a week old; this is where the controversy arises because the human embryo must be destroyed in order to retrieve the stem cells. For years, people have debated whether or not this practice is morally right or ethical and at what point an embryo can be considered a human being. Although embryonic stem cells could possibly save many human lives, the question arises about whether or not it is ethical to stop a life from starting in order to save the lives of others.
There are also alternatives to using embryonic stem cells for research that are being considered. One of these alternatives is using cord blood stem cells instead of embryonic stem cells. Unlike embryonic stem cells, cord blood stem cells come from the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after delivery and the umbilical cord has been cut; therefore, cord blood stem cells require the birth of the baby. Many prefer this method of obtaining stem cells to be used because it eliminates the controversy of stopping a potential human being’s life. Cord blood stem cells are the closest thing to embryonic stem cells. Some researchers even say the stem cells are more immature and therefore, more resistant to infection. Because umbilical cord stem cells are so close in nature to embryonic stem cells and basically have little to no debate and controversy attached to them, many see this as a better alternative for research.
There are also other ways embryos can be obtained in order to obtain embryonic stem cells, but each also have their own moral and ethical debates attached. Some of these methods are extracting embryos from aborted fetuses, from fertility clinics, and through cloning. Each of these ideas is being debated individually and with respect to the overall dispute over researching embryonic stem cells.
While it is hard to say what the best option is to help save human lives, what we do know is the debate over embryonic stem cells will go on between researchers, lawmakers, and individual citizens. In the meantime, different methods of obtaining stem cells, such as cord blood, are being studied as an ethical alternative to research of embryonic stem cells.
By Janelle Walker