Embryonic Stem Cell Research (Documented Essay)

Embryonic Stem Cell Research (Documented Essay)

Celeste Aguilar
May 10, 2011
English 100
Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Embryonic stem cell research was not the topic I had initially planned to do. I had been browsing the web for a week for possible topics, and I had found none that suited my interests. I discovered my topic when I learned that my uncle, who is a doctor, had recently won an award for his research on stem cells. Later I would find out that his specialization was hematopoietic stem cells. Although his specialization was hematopoietic stem cells, it was nice knowing that I could go to someone for information and moral support regarding this issue. Initially, I did not know very much about embryonic stem cell research when I first posed the question as to whether or not embryonic stem cell research should be permissible to find cures for diseases. I did not even know what embryonic stem cells were to begin with until my uncle explained in further detail how controversial this issue is today and the endless amount of possibilities this research can do to benefit the lives of others, which eventually caught my interest. As a result, I took this opportunity and immediately began researching.
      To jump-start my research, I would go through archives to watch videos that detailed breaking news about stem cells, whether the news may be medical breakthroughs or political debates. By going through these videos in chronological order, I was able to experience first-hand what ordinary citizens may have felt about this ongoing controversial debate. I then went to my local library and discovered many books on stem cell research and medical ethics in general. However, the information presented in the books sounded repetitive, so I decided to broaden my knowledge through the Internet.
      By looking at primary sources, such as the Library of Congress’ online collection of bills and acts, I learned the value of reliable sources. By viewing opinion pieces, where people expressed differing views about the...