Embryonic stem cells are cells that are extracted from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst. A blastocyst is a structure, with a thin wall that contains a cluster of cells, which eventually gives rise to the embryo. The blastocyst stage is usually about four to six days after fertilization. In simple terms, embryonic stem cells are stem cells got from embryos, that were grown from eggs that have been fertilized in an artificially controlled environment, and then given out for research purposes, however with the informed consent of the donors. The inner cell mass is taken out while the remaining blastocyst is destroyed. It has created a lot of uproars. Most people believe it’s ethically. Also, it’s a popular opinion that pre-implanted embryos have the same legal standing as post-implantation embryos
PROBLEMS SURROUNDING EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS AND WHY WE THINK IT’S ABORTION
There have been lots of debate and arguments about the morality of embryonic stem cells. This has called for some questions, such as; At what stage of development does one consider life to begin? Is it justifiable to sacrifice an embryonic cell because of its potential to treat some diseases? Are there alternatives we could pursue without destroying a life because of its therapeutic potentials?
People have their perspectives and different answers to these questions. In fact, the United States former president, W. Bush, because of his religious beliefs, put an embargo on the use of federal money for growing new cell lines, other than the ones already in progress. However, the president that governed after him, President Barack Obama, flipped the coin to the other side, by partially lifting the ban, stressing that as a person of faith, it’s imperative we do all we can to save the lives of people suffering from diseases. He continued that everything should be done to ease the stress and suffering of those in need. However, he pointed that this should be done responsibly.
Other opinions on embryonic stem cell
The embryonic stem cell has reignited arguments between the pro-life group, and those against it. The pro-life movement believes that life begins just after fertilization, and whatever develops after this, should be accorded the rights as a primordial human life. They believe that embryonic stem cell research is not just completely unethical; it is also murder. It is also immoral that the embryonic stem cell research is profiting from the killing of human lives, albeit early human lives or not. The basics of the assertion of the pro-life movement are that human life, whether in embryo or fetal stage is sacred, and should never be destroyed. Whatever procedure that leads to the destruction of embryos is tantamount to abortion, which is the same as murder.
However, on the other side, those in favor of embryonic stem cell research believe that, although the embryo is destroyed after extracting the inner cell mass, they’d continue to thrive as a part of another individual. A new twist to this is that some researchers make use of some embryonic stem cells that were made for in-vitro fertilization, but were not used. These types of the embryo would eventually be discarded or be stored for a long time till they expire. Up to half a million of these types of embryos exist in America, while about seventy thousand are in Australia. Some pro-life movement supporters have okayed this development, considering the potential and benefit embryonic stem cell research and therapy bears.
Advantages embryonic stem cell has over other forms of stem cells
These are the objections mostly given by pro-embryonic stem cell research, to counter arguments that adult stem cells can do the same job, and not involve the destruction of embryos.
Embryonic stem cells are easier to grow, and essentially, the embryo is made up of embryonic stem cells. On the other hand, only one out of a thousand bone marrow cells can be used as a stem cell. Thus, embryonic stem cells are better suited for stem cell researchers.
- Embryonic stem cells proliferate faster than adult stem cells. As a result of this, more stem cells can be produced for different uses. Adult stem cells do not divide fast enough for immediate uses.
- Embryonic stem cells are modifiable. This feature gives the ability to help in the treatment of a broader range of diseases.
- Often, autologous stem cells might not be useful in the treatment of some genetic diseases. This is also the case, especially when the bone marrow of the person is already affected by malignant cells. Allogenic embryonic stem cells are used in this setting.
- Some individuals might not be fit enough to undergo the process of stem cell extraction.
- Embryonic stem cell therapy has proven effective in the treatment of heart diseases in mice. This would be replicated in humans in the nearest future.
- Embryonic stem cell therapy is capable of treating some diseases, that medicine has not been able to cure.
DISADVANTAGES OF EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH
- As earlier mentioned, embryonic stem cell research involves isolating the inner cell mass of an embryo and eliminating the embryo. Essentially, an embryo has to be sacrificed for every embryonic stem cell procedure. Even though the research has a lot of potentials, human lives should not be taken, on the altar of researches and some profits. It’s immoral and unethical.
- The long-term effects of embryonic stem cell aren’t known yet. It is, therefore, best to tread with caution. Meddling with nature does not yield good results most times.
- There is a likelihood of the body rejecting embryonic stem cells. This is because they’re foreign materials. Unlike autologous stem cells that can be gotten from the bone marrow, bloodstream or adipose tissues.
- There have been reports that embryonic stem cells used in the treatment of some heart conditions have led to the narrowing some coronary arteries
In conclusion, more success would be recorded if the same funds that are allocated to embryonic stem cell research are also committed to adult stem cell research
For further information on this, kindly visit iSTEMCELL.com
References
Getrevising.co.uk. (2017). Stem Cell Research – Advantages and Disadvantages. [online] Available at: https://getrevising.co.uk/grids/stem_cell_research_advantages_and_disadvantages [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].
Josephson, R. and Auerbach, J. (2007). Human Embryonic Stem Cells: Many Ways Forward. Cell Stem Cell, 1(3), pp.251-252.
Ulrich, H. (2017). Stem Cell Reviews and Reports: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Embryonic Stem Cells and Development Section. Stem Cell Reviews and Reports, 13(1), pp.3-3.
Wood, A. (2005). Ethics and Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Stem Cell Reviews, 1(4), pp.317-324.
