Stem cells

Stem cells being obtained from embryos let to die is acceptable, because there is a huge difference between killing, and letting die. Is this saying that abortion is always acceptable, no but that is why we should have the choice to make for ourselves. In the end, this is no different than removing organs from a dead person to help the needs of others. "It forces us to choose between two moral principles, the duty to prevent or alleviate suffering, and the duty to respect the value of human life. In the case of embryonic stem cell research, it is impossible to respect both moral principles" (Hug, 11). If you desire for the further of the medical and scientific advancements in this field then you can not uphold the other morals to the same level, it just can not be done. And if there is no chance of this embryo being born anyway what can it hurt to let it help science and help others.

This is an oppertunity for science to grow and develop to comprehend and eventually utalize the progress made with these cells. Scientists believe that stem cells can "offer potential cures and therapies for many devastating diseases" (2012). The ends definitely justify the means. They say that the obtaining of stem cells from embryos is tarnishing the potential from life. Though one, the baby's heart does not actually start beating until 5-6 weeks into pregnancy so technically the embryo is not alive, and two, the potential for life ended the moment that the mother forfeited that right on behalf of the embryo so it is not scientists faults that the mothers agreed to this. If there is anyone to blame for all of this it would be the mothers, but it is their choice as it affects their bodies. We will never know the possible benefits of stem cell research until it is allowed to continue it research.

[Only admins are allowed to see this link]

Hug, K. (11, March 23). Embryonic stem cell research: an ethical dilemma . Retrieved from [Only admins are allowed to see this link]

Stem Cells and Diseases . In Stem Cell Information [World Wide Web site]. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2012 [cited Tuesday, October 23, 2012] Available at <http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/health>

Lancet. (2012, February 25). Embryonic stem cell trials for macular degeneration: a preliminary report. . Retrieved from [Only admins are allowed to see this link]

Matt, you made some great points. Not all embryonic stem cells are obtained through abortions, some are donated for the specific purpose of scientific research. There are also other options to gathering these cells. Drs. Donald Landry and Howard Zucker of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons found that during in vitro fertilization, non-dividing embryos that have expired are simply discarded. It is possible to extract pluripotent cells, or cells that are capable of producing multiple cell types (Battey, 2005). You made a great point of mentioning the difficulty, if not impossibility, of respecting all moral values on any level. In a situation such as this, it's important to consider the well being of the human population. Embryonic stem cells may be capable for curing diseases such as Parkinson's disease, cancer, and spinal cord injuries. Comparing one life to thousands in order to save millions is presented as a fairly enticing image.

Battey, James F M.D., Ph.D. Alternative Methods of Obtaining Embryonic Stem Cells. 2005, July 12. Retrieved from:
[Only admins are allowed to see this link]