Why Should Embryonic Stem Cells Be Used?
Let's say you were given a chance to receive a substance that could cure all the diseases in the world. However, before you could receive this cure, you would need to kill an innocent child. So would you do it? Think twice before you answer. Giving up one life for the sake of millions may be worth it. Today, it appears that there are studies being conducted that feature the utilization of human embryos to develop more cures for life-threatening diseases. This is called the embryonic stem cell research.
Where do embryonic stem cells come from?
Embryonic stem cells are derived from the human embryo which is basically the early form of a fertilized human egg. These cells contain totipotent stem cells which are the most effective types of stem cells. However, acquiring these cells may lead to the destruction of the fertilized egg. Because of this, e thical issues associated with stem cells have arisen, making embryonic stem cells one of the most controversial issues of our generation. Moralists state that this is one form of abortion and reduces the value of human life. Furthermore, moralists also argue about the possibilities of cloning. To properly study these cells, scientists need to conduct a procedure called therapeutic cloning. This is a process wherein a scientist removes the nucleus of the cell and replaces it with the DNA of a certain organism. The end result is an exact replica of the organism. Not only will it look the same, it will also have the exact same genetic code. Though this issue may lead to further ethical debates, the results do not lie. Embryonic stem cells can help the whole human race survive the many diseases that are slowly killing millions.
Why should embryonic stem cells be used?
The answer is simple. Why not? Embryos contain totipotent stem cells that have the ability to produce any kind of cell found in the human body. So in theory, if these cells were implanted into any damaged or malfunctioning body parts, then it would be possible for these totipotent stem cells to reproduce and heal these organs.
Aside from being a great cure, embryonic stem cells can also provide further advancements in the filed of medicine. By creating a specific population of cells from these embryonic stem cells , scientists may be able to experiment with various chemicals that can be developed as cures for certain diseases. This will lead to a faster screening process for the testing of these chemicals that will allow for the development of the best cures in a shorter amount of time.
Furthermore, the study of embryonic stem cells will lead to the further understanding of the development of the human fetus. Currently, there is little knowledge about the development of the fetus because it is impossible to observe it without taking it out of the womb. By studying embryonic cells further, doctors will be able to learn how to prevent certain complications in its development, and this will lead to a lesser number of birth defect cases around the world.