Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay

Embryonic stem cell research is a highly debated and sensitive topic. Such good can come from researching this technology because many people would benefit from it. In the following paragraphs, I will explain what embryonic stem cells are and why the United States should be utilizing this medical advancement. Further, I will point out the flaws in the arguments of those who are opposed to the use of these stem cells. The United States will soon fall behind other countries who will be using this advancement if we cannot come to a logical conclusion on this vital issue. In the human body, there are more than 220 different cell types. All of those cell types are derived from a cluster of cells known as embryonic stem cells. These
What is the ethical issue regarding the harvesting and use of these stem cells? The main controversial issue of this type of research is the status of the human embryo. When the inner cell mass of the embryo is taken, the embryo dies. The reason for this is because the inner cell mass is what forms the three germ layers of the human body, so without it the embryo will no longer develop. People who are against the harvesting, research, and use of these special cells are known to be "pro-life." They are generally religious people who believe that the four-day-old embryo has a soul and is plainly murdered when harvested. The pro-lifers believe that the research of these stem cells "instrumentalizes and violates the sanctity of life." They make the argument that the embryo is a potential human being and see human life as starting the instant an egg becomes fertilized. This is the first flaw in their argument. Scientifically, an embryo is not human until it starts to perform human functions. At the time of harvest, it is only a cluster of cells no different than any of the other cells in the human body. While they are correct that the embryo is a potential human, the embryo is not yet human by any scientific