Why are there objections to stem cell research?
However, human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research is ethically and politically controversial because it involves the destruction of human embryos. In the United States, the question of when human life begins has been highly controversial and closely linked to debates over abortion.
Does taking stem cells from an embryo kill it?
The most common way of removing stem cells involves taking them from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, which destroys the embryo. Therefore, the embryos used in stem cell research are human beings, and it is morally reprehensible to kill them in order to remove the cells.
What are the disadvantages of stem cell research?
What Are the Disadvantages of Stem Cell Research?
- Embryonic stem cells can have high rejection rates.
- Adult stem cells have a determined cell type.
- Obtaining any form of stem cell is a difficult process.
- Stem cell treatments are an unproven commodity.
- Stem cell research is a costly process.
Why could research on embryos be useful?
Research with embryonic stem cells may lead to new, more effective treatments for serious human ailments and alleviate the suffering of thousands of people. Diseases such as juvenile diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, heart failure and spinal cord injuries are examples.
What are the advantages of using stem cells in medicine?
Studies have discovered that stem cell therapy can help enhance the growth of new healthy skin tissue, enhance collagen production, stimulate hair development after incisions or loss, and help substitute scar tissue with newly developed healthy tissue.
Why are embryos useful in medical research?
Embryonic stem cells could be used to make more specialized tissues that have been lost to disease and injury. Cultures of cancer cells are already used for screening cancer drugs, and growing embryonic stem cells into heart, liver or nerve cells could be useful for testing drugs that affect those organs.
How are human embryos used in research?
Stem cells can be obtained at the early stages of embryo development; these cells are called human embryonic stem cells (hESC). They also could be used in research to develop drugs to treat serious diseases, or to repair organs following a stroke or heart attack.