Zamitiz 1

Yasmin Zamitiz

Professor Batty

English 28

27 May 2017

The Dark Side of Science

Stem cell research is a controversial topic, because a potential human life must be

destroyed to benefit others. According to the National Institute of Health, Stem cells have a

remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early stages of

life and growth. For this reason, scientists have been researching two types of stem cells known

as embryotic stem cells, (ESC) and adult stem cells (ASC). An embryotic stem cell is a highly

versatile stem cell that is being used for research to find cures for diseases because of its ability

to differentiate into more than two hundred completely new tissue types in the human body, for

example kidneys, liver, muscle, and red blood cells. However the controversial topic arises, thus

this means that the life of an embryo shouldnt be considered less than any other human and

scientists should not continue experimenting on those who do not have a voice. I believe we

should limit ESC research and focus more on ASC research.

According to Marcia Clemmit a reporter at CQ-Researcher, many scientists that are

conducting ESC research are using undeveloped embryos to help them develop cures that could

benefit many patients with diabetes, Parkinsons disease as well as other treatments that would

allow the repair of spinal cord injuries caused by physical activity. As for ASC research they

come from different organs in the human body, such as the bone marrow, liver and skin. (NIH)

Explains, they are more difficult to obtain from the body as they are also limited in developing
 Zamitiz 2

into fewer tissue types. In terms of research, ASC may take longer in order to conclude a

research, whereas ESC takes less time due to its fast production of tissue.

Furthermore ESC is considered controversial since it comes from a womans egg that has

been fertilized by sperm, that will then develop in to and embryo. According to (Clemmitt) these

fertilized eggs are also known as zygotes, as she quoted After about five days. The zygotes

develop into a ball of around one hundredfifty cells called a blastocyst, a very early stage

embryo. Considering the fact that a blastocyst is only found in the center of an embryotic stem

cell, for this reason it is being used by scientist for research due to its ability to become many cell

types, However many argue, including myself, that having to destroy a life of an embryo for

research outweighs the benefits of ESC research.

For instance Pro-life organizations such as the Roman Catholic Church hold the belief

that life begins as early as fertilization. They believe that every human should be treated with the

same moral right as any other human, even at its earliest development in life. Doeflinger, an

official at the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, stated, We must not sacrifice one class

of human to benefit others (Gaels Publishing). According to Saran Terzo, a Pro-life author at

Life Action News, she stated Science teaches without reservation that life begins at fertilization

(conception). It is a scientific fact that an organism exists after fertilization that did not exist

before. This new organism has its own DNA distinct from the mother and father, meaning that it

is a unique person [...]. On the other hand, some people disagree. For instance, Gaels Publishing

wrote in the article, Opposing View Points, that embryos should not be treated as having the

same moral status as children or adults banning ESC research by such reasoning ends and as

quoted in responds by writer David Holcberg, sacrificing real human beings for microscopic

clumps of cells. For David and many other pro-choice individuals, they argue that ESC is just
 Zamitiz 3

considered a stem cell. However my own view on this controversial topic is that I strongly

disagree with his statement because I believe that every human life should be treated with the

same moral rights, despite the fact that an ESC has not been fully developed into what some

consider a human.

For some people that are pro-choice, they believe that stem cell research could benefit

many patients and save lives, for instance, a woman by the name of Henrietta Lacks who died at

the age of 31years old from cervical cancer. Doctor Lawrence Wharton, who abstracted two

pieces of tissue from her cervix without her knowledge or consent, which became one of the

most valuable cells in history for its immortality and ability to multiply infinitely. This inspired

Rebecca Skloot to write her book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, in which she describes

Lacks as When she wasnt in Clover, Henrietta spent her time cooking for Day, the children,

and whichever cousins happened to be at her house (1951). Henrietta was a mother and a wife

that was respected and loved by her family, unfortunately her life could not be saved because her

cancer had spread rapidly. Could Lacks fate had been different if ESC research was an available

option, with all the benefits and potential that ESC has to offer, this could have probably saved

Henriettas life and perhaps the life of many other patients. However, ESC research is considered

inhumane because one potential life has to be sacrificed in order to benefit another. As modern

medicine advances, this is an option that we can consider.

Stem cell research has a potential that needs emphasizing, considering the fact that ASC

research can be beneficial in curing other illnesses. On the other hand, it may be considered

morally acceptable by most people to perform more ASC research, as long as there is patient

consent and knowledge. As paraphrased by Charles A, Goldthwaite Jr., Ph.D., with NIH the

author of the promise of induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC), in recent studies scientist have
 Zamitiz 4

developed a new way to reprogram ASC, in 2006 Researchers at Kyoto University in Japan have

discovered a new stem cell line called Induced Pluripotent stem cells (IPSC). Which are said to

come from ASC found in the skin tissue and is able to be genetically reprogramed to become

pluripotent. This means they are able to differentiate into most cell types of an organism.

Pluripotent is only found in ECS. Therefore, this new IPSC might eliminate the need to use ESC

for research in the near future, although further research is needed before scientists can use IPSC

in modern medicine.

As a result, science and research has many good benefits that have helped saved lives. It

has given the opportunity for medicine to advance in treatments. This will allow scientist to

continue research with IPSC so that in the near future it will help save the lives of many and

hopefully eliminate the need for ESC research. As we should not abuse peoples rights for our

own benefits, every living human should have the right to be treated equally even at its smallest

form of life, race, economical status, or educational level.

 Zamitiz 5

Works Cited.

Clemmitt, M. (2006, September 1). Stem cell research. CQ Researcher, 16, 697-720. Retrieved

from http:// library.cqpress.com/

NIH Stem Cell Information Home Page. In Stem Cell Information [World Wide Web site].

Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services, 2016 [cited April 28, 2017] Available at

stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/1.htm

NIH Stem Cell Information Home Page. In Stem Cell Information [World Wide Web site].

Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services, 2016 [cited May 14, 2017] Available at

stemcells.nih.gov/info/RegenerativeMedicine/2006chapter10.htm>

Skloot, Rebecca. Life of Henrietta The Immortal Lacks. New York: Crown, 2010. Print.

Stem Cells." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2015. Science in Context,

link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/PC3010999132/SCIC?u=lavc_main&xid=25906fbe.

Accessed 16 A

Terzo, Sarah. Life Begins at Fertilization, Science Teaches. Live Action News, Human

Rights, 28 Oct. 2016, www.liveaction.org/news/life-begins-at-conception-

science- teaches/. Accessed 13 May 2017.