Brittany Miller

Ten Problems with Embryonic Stem Cell Research

By: Kelly Hollowell, Ph.D

http://www.icr.org/article/ten-problems-with-embryonic-stem-cell-research/

                Embryonic stem cell research is a hugely debatable subject in the science world right now. However, there are a lot of reasons we should stick to researching adult stem cells.

                One big debate is whether the embryonic stem cells are considered people or property. The fact that scientists are cloning the cells in the first place proves in itself that life begins at the point where the egg becomes fertilized. This proves that there is no real distinction between pre-embryo and embryo. Therefore, the cells should be considered people.

                Next, supporters of embryonic stem cell research refer to the embryos as “pluripotent,” which means that the stem cell cannot reform the trophoblast (outer layer of the embryo that is required for implantation into the uterus) that is removed before the cells are allowed to grow. This, however, is misleading. James Thomson, who led attempts at growing embryonic stem cells, says that the trophoblast is capable of reforming.

                Problem #3 is that embryonic stem cell research is related to cloning, which many people are against. It is therapeutic cloning, in which we clone living beings to destroy them, rather than create new babies like in reproductive cloning.

Then there is the fact that President Bush made it so federal funds could not be used to fund embryonic stem cell research, but the 64 stem cell lines that are already known are allowed to be used. Scientists claim this isn’t enough, hence the reason for all of the debating.

There is a law that could apply to embryonic stem cell research. The “Dickey Amendment” prohibits federal funding of any embryonic stem cell research that involves human embryos being purposely exposed to risk of injury or death. This may not, however, protect pre-embryos.

There are polls that show that the majority of Americans are against the use of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

Embryonic stem cell research is leading us to growing humans to harvest their body parts. Taking the cells from an embryo is like taking the body parts off of an already born human being.

This can offer great fame and fortune to those who make great discoveries with this embryonic stem cell research and that can often change one’s morals.

Embryonic stem cells have lead to rapid tissue growth and therefore caused tumors. They can also cause uncontrollable movements such as twisting, head jerking, arm-flailing, and constant chewing. Mice that were cloned were genetically defective.

Adult stem cell research has been thriving and many diseases, such as breast cancer and leukemia, have been cured and treated by adult stem cells. Adult stem cells don’t need to be harvested from an unborn baby. There’s no need to kill unborn babies when we have the choice to research adult stem cells.

My article was really long...