Essay Sample on Harvesting Embryonic Stem Cells for Medical Research

Introduction

Medical researchers obtain embryonic stem cells from embryos. They harvest them from eggs fertilized in In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) centers and clinics. The eggs, collected from consenting donors, undergo the process of cell culture and are then used for research purposes. Using human embryonic stem cells offers significant potential for addressing various medical issues and treating diseases. For instance, it could advance the treatment of conditions like diabetes, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, and myocardial infarction (Lo & Parham, 2009). Some of the areas that successful embryonic stem cell research could impact include the study of early human development, toxicology, and the science of transplantation medicine. While the research offers experts a unique opportunity to develop innovative medical procedures, embryonic stem cell research is characterized by ethical concerns and controversies.

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One of the arguments used against the use of human embryonic stem cells for medical research purposes is the sourcing of cells from human beings. Traditionally, IVF clinics sourced embryos from couples who did not intend to utilize them for infertility treatment (Hyun, 2010). They also collected somatic stem cells from aborted fetuses and umbilical cord blood. The ethical issues concerning the sourcing of stem cells primarily revolve around the facilitation of informed decision making among donors. Attaining consent is a critical element before investigators can collect cells for any research activities (Lo & Parham, 2009). Those who oppose the process claim that payment of donors inhibits making of proper decisions due to the prospects of compensation. Thus, they consider embryonic stem cell research as unethical.

Opponents of human embryonic stem cell research argue that the harvested cells have the potential to develop into human beings. Operating on a pro-life ideology, they oppose the destruction of embryos. They consider the killing of pre-implanted embryos used for harvesting stem cells as an unethical practice (Hyun, 2010). By arguing that these embryos can transform, it is immoral to deny them the chance to grow. The basis of this argument is that it is morally wrong to create human embryos specifically for research purposes. They advocate for the finding of alternative sources that cannot differentiate into various types of human tissues. Therefore, opponents also object to the use of human embryonic stem cell-like stem cells due to concerns about human cloning and the mixing of human and animal species.

On the other hand, supporters of stem cell research challenge the ethical concerns founded on the notion that it is wrong to destroy embryos that have the potential to transform and develop into a human being. They question the validity of the argument that all potential human life should have the opportunity to grow. Proponents of the use of human embryonic stem cells for medical research argue that not all early-stage embryos can develop into a human being (Hyun, 2010). The basis of this argument is that there is a high likelihood that a majority of the embryos available at fertility clinics are of poor quality. While these embryos are least likely to result in a viable pregnancy, they can serve other roles instead of going to waste. Therefore, it is not wrong for researchers to use them in producing much-needed stem cells. Besides, the supporters back up their claim by emphasizing that the potential to develop into a human being does not necessarily guarantee implantation.

Some opponents of human embryonic stem cell research believe and argue that all pre-implantation embryos, regardless of their environment, share a moral standing similar to that of a human being. They term the destruction and disposal of pre-implantation embryos as murder (Hyun, 2010). In the typical society setting, killing a human being is an illegal and punishable deed. Therefore, it does not matter whether the embryo's location is in a clinic or a woman's body. Hence, medical experts should not destroy it despite the nobility and potential associated with the use of human embryonic stem cells for research purposes. Besides, there are concerns about the regulation of clinical trials that offer unduly high expectations for patient-subjects.

In objection to the idea that destruction of embryos equates to murder, supporters of human embryonic stem cell research posit that the embryos used for analysis often have a limited potential for full growth. While opponents term killing as immoral, they need to note that the pre-implanted embryos lack an absolute potential to transform into human life. Those who oppose the use of human embryos operate on the premise that the procedures violate the right to life. However, controversy reigns regarding the exact point or stage in the gestation process that cells acquire a similar moral ground as human beings. Thus, supporters exploit the loophole in defining ethical standards for early-stage embryos (Hyun, 2010). They do not consider it unethical to use or destroy cells that lack viability outside the womb. Therefore, groups that support human embryonic stem cell research do not regard the processes as immoral.

Conclusion

Overall, there is an urgent need to examine and weigh the risks, benefits, and ethical considerations surrounding human embryonic stem cell research. The increase of focus on stem cell research and the commercialization of related products emphasizes the essence of coming up with enforceable standards to guide research procedures and processes. However, considering the controversial suppositions shared by opponents of these research activities, it is essential first to develop sound and moral justification to support the use of human embryonic stem cells. Thus, it is vital to address the conflicting legal and ethical concerns that challenge the studies.

References

Hyun, I. (2010). The bioethics of stem cell research and therapy. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 120(1), 71-75. Retrieved fromhttps://www.jci.org/articles/view/40435

Lo, B., & Parham, L. (2009). Ethical issues in stem cell research. Endocrine Reviews, 30(3), 204-213. doi: 10.1210/er.2008-0031