Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research

If you had a family member with Alzheimer’s or a best friend who was paralyzed from the waist down, wouldn’t you want them to be magically healed? Well, many scientists believe they found the magical cure. Stem cell research is a controversial issue in America. In order to develop an opinion on whether or not stem cells should be used, one first must understand what they are and how they are used. Stem cells are a primitive cell that can multiply and conform to be any cells. It is one of the most contentious issues facing society today, and people on both side of the debate are extremely passionate about their positions.   Stem cell research holds the key to curing and treating some of the cruelest and weakening diseases facing mankind. Of course, with an issue so filled with disagreements and trouble, finding support to conduct the research is sometimes easier said than done.

Stem cell research has been around since the early 1980s, and since its development many advances have been made. In the beginning they could only speculate what they could do with the cells. They have come farther than anyone could imagine.   After reviewing these facts, one can make the conclusion that the use of stem cells is the wonder drug of the century, one that will cure all diseases. While this might appear to be the case, there is one piece left out of the above description. Unfortunately, the best source for stem cells is human fetal tissues. Stem cells are derived from a developing embryo or fetus. There is no other place to find completely undifferentiated cells than in an undeveloped human. Unfortunately, a developing human needs those cells; the process of removing them kills the unborn child. To extract the stem cells, you will in turn, kill the embryo. In effect, an abortion is performed whenever stem cells are obtained. This has caused an outcry from pro-life activists. This has been the source of dispute since the discovery of stem cells as a cure for disease and...