Stem cells are those undifferentiated cells that differentiate into different types of cells. The stem cells can be obtained from bone marrow, in body parts such as skin or brain and also in the umbilical cord of baby. Nowadays, scientists are engaged in research over embryonic stem cells. According to Wisconsin University Medicine Professor, Dr Timothy Kamp the embryonic stem cell research will further provide more understanding of skin diseases and their treatment methods. Generally, scientists use embryos derived from in-vitro fertilization labs that usually discard them. Under such labs, embryo is generated under lab conditions in a Petri-dish rather than in the woman’s body.
It is a belief of the critics of stem cells technology that scientists derive these cells by some non-preferable means. It implies that they can ask those parents who do not want to have more children to donate unnecessary embryos for the research. In addition, they can also get such cells from aborted fetus by taking a consent signed by the couples who have earlier decided about pregnancy termination. Mathew Sande is the director of Legislation of Pro- life Wisconsin. According to him, this approach leads to destruction of human embryo which is in fact destruction of a life of human being.
The groups of pro-activists believe that this embryonic stem cell transplant is an offensive approach that needs to be stopped as soon as possible. Sande also says that everyone would like to see research doing progress for the treatment of diseases but it must not be through killing one life to save one. The opponents of this approach of stem cell study said that government should stop supporting such methods that are based on killing. The pro life activist group is dedicated to adult stem cell investigation and their transplantation. The reason they prefer use of adult stem cells is because they do not lead to any harm. These can be extracted from bone marrow and many other adult tissues.
Moreover, these are also safe to extract from the umbilical cord or placenta without any killing. It is an ironical fact that adult cells are not that much capable to show potential results as that showed by embryonic cells. Scientists are involved in coming out with new methods of extraction of the cells. They are not disclosing these as it is hard to predict the reaction of the public. It has become a great political debate. It is the opinion of the Dr. Kamp that there should be kept options open so that one can receive the best and safe treatment. However, the debate would be everlasting and it cannot be estimated when it would end actually and with what conclusion.
Scientists are hoping that by continuing the research in the field, they would come up with awesome results. The pro-activists are however worried about the cost for continuing this research. They have the view that cost incurred during this study is much higher than benefits porvdied by same. It seems that the debate will continue. Both the groups need to carefully analyze each other’s views and then find out a new technique that is safe and free of controversy.
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