Why is embryonic stem cell research wrong?
1 Answer
The use of human embryonic stem cells evokes ethical concern because the blastocyst stage embryos are destroyed in the process of obtaining the stem cells.
Explanation:
Embryonic stem cells are stem cells derived from the undifferentiated inner cells of a human embryo. These cells can form a wide variety of differentiated tissues in - vitro. It is assumed from their properties that they are pleuripotent.
However the major concern still remains that it involves the developement, use and destruction of the human embryos.
Most of the debates surrounding human embryonic stem cells concern issues such as :-
1) restrictions that should be made on studies using these types of cells.
2) whether it is just to destroy an embryo cell if it has the potential to cure countless number of patients.
Diseases that could potentially be treated by pleuripotent stem cells include a number of blood and immune system related genetic diseases, cancers, juvenile diabetes, Parkinson's disease, blindness and spinal cord injuries.
