Stem cells could help us learn more concerning genetics and the stages and developments of many diseases. Some stem cells can develop abnormally and lead to medical problems such as birth defects and cancer. Scientists can prevent some of these diseases with a deeper understanding of genetics.
Learn.Genetics writes about some of the issues surrounding embyonic stem cell research
"Stem cell research thus raised difficult questions:
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Does life begin at fertilization, in the womb, or at birth?
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Is a human embryo equivalent to a human child?
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Does a human embryo have any rights?
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Might the destruction of a single embryo be justified if it provides a cure for a countless number of patients?
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Since ES cells can grow indefinitely in a dish and can, in theory, still grow into a human being, is the embryo really destroyed?" (28)
Many church organizations such as the Cathlic Church strongly disagrees with the use of embyonic stem cells. During a U.S. Conference of Cathlic Bishops, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas adressed his peers about his concers relating to the use of embyos for embyonic stem cell research. The vote to empliment a statement about their beliefs was an overwhelming 191-1. This document contained arguments for every point that is dicussed during debated about embryonic stem cell research. Some of the opinions that they expressed shared that they believe that no matter how small or young an embyo might be, they are a human deserving of basic human rights. They continue saying that no "greater good" will be served by taking an innocent life. You can read futher on from their seven-page policy statement by clicking here. (29)
Stem Cells: Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues
Since the begining of stem cell research, there have always been those who oppose the work. Governments try to regulate and often completely stop progress in this field of study.
Austria, Germany, Italy, Lithuania all have major restrictions for embryonic stem cell research. For many of these countries, extracting stem cells from embryos is strictly prohibited. Each country's regulations vary, some permit the use of them for purely research purposes if the stem cells were imported, or if it was extra generated in an InVitro clinic by a certain cut off date.
There are also many countries that strongly support the use of embryonic stem cells. Some just require that their use is for research purposes others may have other restrictions but still encourage further development because they know all of the possibilites that stem cells offer. If you would like to look further into the different restrictions that countries put on this area of research you can click here. (33)
Legal Issues
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There are countless people year round that are diagnosed with fatal diseases that feel like there is no hope for their future. In America alone, around 600,000 cancer related deaths occur annually claiming one out of every four deaths in this country (12). Over 8,200,000 people die world wide every year. (13) Imagine living in a world where you didn't have to worry about your health for a majority of the diseases out there. Stem cells are naturally in our bodies to heal us, with a little assistance we can do anything.
Currently there are more than 5,000,000 suffering from Alzheimer's disease. This disease is in fact fatel. Did you know, that every 67 seconds someone developes this disease and it is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. There is good news though if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's the future of stem cell research a promise for a cure. When this is achieved those in their older years will be able to continue living their lives to the fullest, erasing the constant worrying. (38)