BIOETHICS STEM CELLS
SUMMARY
Stem cells are cells that have not been differentiated into specific cells with specific functions. They can be used for research and body repair by filling in the missing cells from someones body. There are three types of stem cells: embryonic, somatic, and pluripotent. Embryonic cells are found in the embryos of fertilized human cells, somatic are found in small amounts in adult bodies, and pluripotent stem cells are made from adult cells. Embryonic stem cells are by far the easiest and most abundant type of stem cell. However, the issue is that we get them from fertilized eggs that have become human embryos. This causes controversy with religion and morality. Research with stem cells is fairly new, beginning in 1981, and that is why man moral issues are still debated today.
REFLECTION
I chose the topic of stem cells because it truly interest me. I think it is a very controversial issue. We have to consider that both sides have good points. The embryo could turn out to be a genius inventor, or we can use its stem cells to discover a cure for diabetes. Those are only two points but many more are brought into the discussion. I am pro stem cells because I believe it is necessary for advances in science and medical areas. I see it that the stem cells have not grown yet and have not developed and relations with other people. Therefore, it will not be the same as killing a living human who has accumulated information already. Spending too much time on this topic can be very depressing, but I enjoyed talking with my group about our views and reasons for those views. Personally I would rather just do the science rather than debate weather it is allowed, but this was still a useful project that will help prepare me for real life scenarios if I become a research scientists. I found this really interesting because stem cells are such an advancement in medical sciences. We are now able to repair missing body parts and this is something you might only see in a movie five years ago. I would like to know more about how stem cells are actually put into or on an organism.