Stem Cell Research Assignment
Running head: STEM CELL RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT
Stem Cell Research Assignment
Pauline Spathis
Grand Canyon University: Daniel Brown
PHI 305
June 10, 2012
Stem Cell Research Assignment The Update: Stem-Cell Research article discusses the controversial issue of whether or not the government should provide federal funding to stem-cell research. Stem-cells have the extraordinary potential in developing into many different cell types in the body. In fact, stem-cells consist of two significant characteristics which distinguish them from any other cell types (Stem Cell Basics, 2009). The first important characteristic is that stem-cells have the capability into renewing themselves through cell division. The second characteristic is that under scientific experimental conditions, stem-cells can be manipulated to become tissue or organ specific cells, such as for the bone-marrow, stem-cells divide to either repair or replace damaged tissue (Stem Cell Basics, 2009). Scientists and advocates have theorized the endless possibilities of curing or treating various diseases using stem-cells, including heart disease, breast cancer, leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, etc. In addition, advocates for stem-cell research feel that federal funding is vital in continuing research in an attempt to lead to life-saving and life-enhancing treatments for diseases. Opponents argue that embryonic stem-cell research is immoral because it is equivalent to murder (Update: Stem Cell Research, 2007). Therefore, let us further examine the debate on whether or not the government should provide federal funding for stem-cell research, as well as my personal perspective on stem-cell research. On August 9, 2001, President Bush announced his ruling on stem-cell research, stating that he would allow existing embryonic stem-cell lines to continue to be federally funded, however would ban all funding for any new stem-cell research (Update: Stem Cell Research, 2007). Since
Stem Cell Research Assignment
Pauline Spathis
Grand Canyon University: Daniel Brown
PHI 305
June 10, 2012
Stem Cell Research Assignment The Update: Stem-Cell Research article discusses the controversial issue of whether or not the government should provide federal funding to stem-cell research. Stem-cells have the extraordinary potential in developing into many different cell types in the body. In fact, stem-cells consist of two significant characteristics which distinguish them from any other cell types (Stem Cell Basics, 2009). The first important characteristic is that stem-cells have the capability into renewing themselves through cell division. The second characteristic is that under scientific experimental conditions, stem-cells can be manipulated to become tissue or organ specific cells, such as for the bone-marrow, stem-cells divide to either repair or replace damaged tissue (Stem Cell Basics, 2009). Scientists and advocates have theorized the endless possibilities of curing or treating various diseases using stem-cells, including heart disease, breast cancer, leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, etc. In addition, advocates for stem-cell research feel that federal funding is vital in continuing research in an attempt to lead to life-saving and life-enhancing treatments for diseases. Opponents argue that embryonic stem-cell research is immoral because it is equivalent to murder (Update: Stem Cell Research, 2007). Therefore, let us further examine the debate on whether or not the government should provide federal funding for stem-cell research, as well as my personal perspective on stem-cell research. On August 9, 2001, President Bush announced his ruling on stem-cell research, stating that he would allow existing embryonic stem-cell lines to continue to be federally funded, however would ban all funding for any new stem-cell research (Update: Stem Cell Research, 2007). Since
References: Robinson, B.A. (2007). Human embryos and fertility clinics: Are pro-life leaders ignoring the real problem. Retrieved June 7, 2012, from http://www.religioustolerance.org/ abo_inco.htm Stem Cell Basics. (2009). Stem cell information: the national institutes of health resource for stem cell research. Retrieved June 7, 2012, from http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/ Update: Stem Cell Research. (2007). Issues & Controversies On File. Retrieved June 7, 2012, from Issues & Controversies database. http://angel05.gcu.edu/section/ default.asp?id=1288173