In January of 2009 the F.D.A. gave the go-ahead for clinical trials of what was expected to be the new research milestone: stem cells. However, not everything went according to plan, and before the study could even begin it had to be put on hold. Cysts were found in mice injected with the cells, forcing Geron to conduct more mouse studies and develop better ways to check for the purities of the cells. Finally, though, the virtual hold is over. On Friday July 30, 2010, the F.D.A. authorized the first test of embryonic-derived stem cells in people.
This is only the latest development in a giant controversy over the study and use of stem cells. The arguments are mostly part of the even larger debate over abortion, with pro-choicers advocating the use of stem cells and pro-lifers against it. However, there is one key difference between this debate and the debate over abortion: lives may hang in the balance.
A stem-cell is basically a cell that has yet to become a specific brand of cell; it is rather like wet clay, allowing itself to be molded into any shape, cell in this case, to suit the need of the user. Scientists who have studied the properties and potential uses of these cells in the medical field say that it could be used to generate cells and tissues that could then be used in cell-based therapy techniques. Furthermore these cells could be used to generate whole organs for transplants, helping to eliminate the large dichotomy of the demand for organ transplants versus the supply of organs. Diseases are no match, as well, as stem cells could be used to treat Alzheimer's diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists also say that this is only scratching the surface of what could be capable using these cells.
So, with all these life-saving properties, why would anyone wish to restrict the research into stem-cells? It all boils down to when life begins. According to some, life begins when the egg and sperm meet, creating a fertilized egg and the potential for human life. So the destruction of embryos in order to create these stem cells is akin to murder. This position is understandable, yet it leads to the freezing of embryos not used in vitro fertility, never to be used again. Today, about 400,000 embryos are frozen in fertility clinics around the country, with no projected plans for what to do with them. Not only that, but more are being made every day. Eventually something must be done with these embryos, freezing them is only a short term solution. So what to do with them? Just discard them when they could be used to save so many lives?
So, the authorization of stem cell treatments by the F.D.A. is the first step to what is expected to be a long line of achievements and breakthroughs in the medical field. No one knows what the future may hold, but because of this it may hold healthier humans.
2 comments:
Stem Cell research has been quite controversial over the years, but I do agree, that discarding 400,000 embryos that could save someone's life is wrong. I was curious to find out more information on this topic and find that most embryos used are fertilized by a process known as in vitro fertilization and the these embryos used were donated. Many people however feel that stem cell research is wrong, because as you stated, life begins as an embryo.
I do feel that if abortion is legal in the United States, than the right to donate a 4-5 day old embryo should be up to the doner to decide. I personally would not donate, but if someone else does, they have that right. I think that stem cell research could advance us in curing a lot of health problems and should have more supporters.
Source: http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics3.asp
I enjoyed your post, it was very well written and informative. Stem cells are one of those unfortunate attributes of science and progress that get impeded by society’s moralistic ideologies.
As you pointed out: the debate isn’t really about stem cells anyway, it’s about abortion. Anti-abortion activists pressure lawmakers into becoming anti stem cell and tie it back to abortion. These activists are well aware that any kind of overturning of Roe v. Wade by the court is completely unrealistic, and too many Americans are both pro stem cell and pro abortion rights that a constitutional amendment has no shot at derailing either.
I understand why millions of Americans are uncomfortable with the idea of abortion. It’s a difficult subject, and I think that more Americans are more “middle of the road” than most people realize. Regardless, we can’t allow anti-abortion sentiments blockade something that has, as you pointed out, so many potential health benefits.
Coincidentally, I was listening to NPR today and heard a piece about how 2 teams of scientists have devised a way to turn human skin cells into stem cells. If they can figure out a way to do this on a more massive scale, this could bypass the abortion argument totally and allow stem cells to prosper unheeded by controversy.
Source:
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16470482
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