The Debate Over Embryonic Stem Cell Research - 2410 Words

Until two scientists isolated the first embryonic stem cells in 1981 (stemcell.child), the controversy in embryonic stem cell research was never discussed. For, an embryo was never able to survive outside of the womb until then; however, today, this topic is widely discussed among ethicists, medical professions, politicians, and more for several reasons. On one side of the argument, embryonic stem cells have the capability of repairing damaged tissue, and with further research it is believed that these cells will be able to cure or provide relief to several diseases and disabilities seen today. On the other hand, embryonic stem cell research is seen as morally unjust because it is seen as the destruction of a potential human life†¦show more content†¦Human embryonic stem cells, one of the two types of stem cells, are cells derived from the embryo, fertilized by in vitro fertilization, and then are typically donated to research (Book stem cells.nih.gov). Researchers study th e power of the embryonic stem cells with the hope to replace damaged neurons and specialized cells caused by particular diseases. These embryos that are used today for research are left over, or not used, embryos from an in vitro procedure. It is important to note that the embryos that are used for embryonic stem cell research were donated by the in vitro fertilization clinics. These embryos donated to research, from couples where were impregnated in vitro by physicians, were left over with the intention of being destroyed by the clinic. Those who morally object to using embryonic stem cells to make further advancements in science view embryos as human beings and also believe that the embryo’s full moral rights must be protected. This argument is supported with the assumption that humans exist as embryos, for it is believed as the earliest stage of human existence, and that our moral status is equal throughout all stages of fetal development and life (BOOK). The standard argu ment for this view is as follows: â€Å"it is morally impermissible to kill an innocent human being; a human embryo is an innocent human being; therefore, it is morally impermissible to kill a human embryo† (plato.standford). To support the