Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Embryonic stem cell research is currently a very controversial topic worldwide. Religious groups  are apposed to the use and research of embryonic stem cells as they believe that because the stem cells are extracted from embryos, that means the researches are effectively destroying human life. This argument has been and is being debated very strongly by both sides.

The researches state that because the stem cells have been extracted from embryos that would have been discarded anyway, this therefore is not really a problem. Also scientists believe that because these embryos are so early in their development, that it is quite possible they can not accurately be considered to be human life at such an early stage of development.

Embryonic stem cell researchers are very excited about the possible future uses that these stem cells could be utilized for. Such as Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, diabetes, some forms of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Also these stem cells could possibly have the ability to reproduce limbs and other body parts, as well as vital organs (hearts, livers etc). The ability to test new drugs using embryonic stem cells is also a real and exciting possibility.

Recently embryonic stem cell research was banned after a US court decision which stopped any funding to such research, however that order was lifted just a few months later and research continues today.

There may be very valid arguments from both sides of the embryonic stem cell debate, let’s just hope that in the future we can overcome some if not all of these very debilitating and sometimes fatal diseases. Maybe this research could be the answer?