The completed paper on Stem Cell Research will be formatted in APA and include:
A title page in APA format
An abstract in APA format
8-10 pages of researched content.
Introduction that includes: statement of the problem, definition of terms, claim statement, literature review, significance of the study, thesis
Body of the paper that includes: background for the research, presentation and analysis of the data, discussion of the research and data
Conclusion statement: analytical summary, thesis reworded, recommendations
A Reference Page(s) in APA format
Provide in-text citations in APA format
Embryonic Stem Cell Research
INTRODUCTION
Stem cell research could easily be one of the most significant and impactful medical applications in the last few hundred years. “Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth” (Bethesda, 2016). They are essentially blank cells that when relocated to different parts of the body can become the specified cells in that location. In other words, they can become liver cells, heart cells or brain cells. This could lead to huge innovations in modern medicine and change how people are healed from injury and illness. This kind of treatment would be referred to as “Regenerative Medicine.” There are 3 types of stem cells. They include Embryonic stem cells, Adult stem cells, Induced pluripotent stem cells and cord blood and amniotic stem cells (Cafasso, 2016). There is the possibility that this research could impact how cancer is treated, injuries are healed and how medicine is approached (Rippon & Bishop, 2004). It would be a whole new paradigm. The outcomes of this kind of research could be incredibly beneficial and life changing for many as society moves further into the 21st century. However, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding stem cells research, primarily because of where the most desirable stem cells for this research is found in embryonic cells (The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity, 2009). This is the issue that has raised a huge red-flag for some people and made the conducting of embryonic stem cell research much more difficult. The argument for and against embryonic stem cells research will not be ending any time in the near distant future.
Thesis Statement:
Stem cell research can be useful in repairing damaged or destroyed cells in an adult human being.
1. Primary Source
The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity. (2009). An overview of stem cell research. The
Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity. 1. Retrieved June 6, 2018, from https://cbhd.org/stem-cell-research/overview
Human embryonic stem cells are primarily retrieved from unwanted embryonic cells found at fertility clinics. These are mostly cells that will not be implanted in the donor and would otherwise be destroyed as medical waste. These cells are the purest of stem cells and present the most ideal research samples. Embryonic stem cells are not the only source of stem cells. They can also be found in certain parts of the adult body as well as in children and infants. The cells can also be sourced from umbilical cords, placental tissue and aborted fetuses (The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity, 2009).
2. Primary Source
Rippon, H.J. ad Bishop, A. E. (2004). Embryonic stem cells. Cell Proliferation. 37(2). 24-34
Walters, L. (2008). Chapter 10: An intercultural perspective on human embryonic stem cell research. Stem Cells. Human Embryos and Ethics. 1-91-109
Embryonic stem cell research has been growing in popularity over the last few decades. Due to their often-controversial acquisition and use many nations have formed very specific laws to restrict how and when such cells may or may not be acquired or applied; the restrictive option, the permissive option, the moderate option and the compromise option (Walters, 2004). This will determine what level of embryonic stem cell research will be conducted. Most of the greatest concerns center on things like the possible cloning of embryonic cells for medical research purposes; creating cells just to destroy them. This breaches several ethical considerations for many (Rippon & Bishop, 2004).
3. Primary Source
National Institutes of Health (n.d). Stem Cell Information. U.S Department of Health & Human Services.Retrieved on 2 June2018 from https://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/1.htm.
Stem Cells are primarily used for repairing body organs by way of regeneration. This will allow them to grow into the cells they are intended to replicate and fix. It is interesting to know that animals have also been able to donate cells to humans for cell and tissue repair. Although adult stem cells are useful, it can be argued that embryonic stem cells provide a better outcome because they are still at the beginning stages of growth. (National Institutes of Health, n.d).
4. Primary Source
Pew Research Center. (2008). The Case for Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Interview with Jonathan Moreno. Religion and Public Life. Retrieved from
http://www.pewforum.org/2008/07/17/the-case-for-embryonic-stem-cell-research-an-interview-with-jonathan-moreno/
This interview on the relationship between religion and embryonic stem cell research discusses killing embryos in order to save a life. Religious groups have been fighting this issue for quite some time because they feel as though scientists are trying to play God (Pew Research Center, 2008). In order to not create so much tension among these religious groups, scientists have been performing further research to see if the results they are receiving from the embryonic stem cells can be done using the adult stem cells. It has been concluded that indeed these adult stem cells can be manipulated in the way it is needed in the human body.
5. Primary Source
Panno, J. (2014). Stem cell research: Medical applications and ethical controversy. Retrieved
on 3 June 2018 from http://go.galegroup.com.prx-herzing.lirn.net/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T003&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&searchType=BasicSearchForm¤tPosition=4&docId=GALE%7CA229715378&docType=Book+review&sort=Relevance&contentSegment=&prodId=PPNU&contentSet=GALE%7CA229715378&searchId=R4&userGroupName=lirn50909&inPS=true
Over time, medical advancements have found that stem cell research aids in treating damaged and destroyed cells that may be causing illness and cancer. While one can argue that stem cell research on a whole is strategic in changing lives, people have tried to have this research banned due to ethical and moral standpoints. “The research is supposed to save lives yet embryonic stem cell research takes away life to save another one” (Panno, 2014).
6. Primary Source
Cogle, C. R., Guthrie, S. M., Sanders, R. C., Allen, W. L., & al, e. (2003). An overview of
stem cell research and regulatory issues. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 78(8), 993-1003. Retrieved on 9 June 2018 from https://prx-herzing.lirn.net/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.prx-herzing.lirn.net/docview/216864017?accountid=167104
Stem cells have the capability of forming 3 germ layers of tissue; however, they cannot create an actual life being. “Research with embryonic stem cells has enabled investigators to make substantial gains in developmental biology, therapeutic tissue engineering, and reproductive cloning” (Cogle; et al, 2003). It is vital that the legalities of stem cell research be discussed to protect its ethics.
7. Secondary Source
Melanie, E. (2009). Crossing the line? As Obama clears path for embryonic stem-cell
research, Catholic healthcare finds itself at crossroads of religion and
medicine. Retrieved on 2 June 2018 from http://go.galegroup.com.prx-herzing.lirn.net/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T003&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&searchType=BasicSearchForm¤tPosition=1&docId=GALE%7CA195984740&docType=Article&sort=Relevance&contentSegment=&prodId=PPNU&contentSet=GALE%7CA195984740&searchId=R1&userGroupName=lirn50909&inPS=true
Embryonic stem cell research has begun a conversation among different groups of people. Although the Catholic church condemns the use of Embryonic cells to be used in this process, they do want to encourage the use of adult stem cells. Due to this factor, they have given Obama’s government permission to move forward in the funding project of the stem cell research. They are; however, reserved about how this funding will impact tax payers. They believe that it will oppress tax payers because they will not benefit from the money they are raising for the project (Melanie,2009).
8. Secondary Source
National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine. (2005). Guidelines Released for Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Retrieved from
http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=11278.
Because Embryonic stem cell research is regulated through provisionary guidelines, it can be beneficial in dealing with problems that have arisen from various groups. The integration of biomedical ethics can have a positive outcome on the way people view stem cell research and including corresponding laws can ensure the proper enforcement of standard guidelines.
9. Secondary Source
Phillips, T. (2017, October 11). Stem Cell Research: Weighing Both Sides of the Debate.
Retrieved June 9, 2018, from https://www.thebalance.com/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research-375483
There are always positives and negatives to everything in life. Stem cell research is no different. The positive to stem cell research is that it benefits people who are in need of treatment for various illnesses. They have been made to be the cure diseases, certain cancers and injuries. The downside of stem cell research is the fact that it is the destruction of a life. Although the life is not in its full form, the blastocysts in a human egg gives it that meaning.
10. Secondary Source
Walters, L. (2004). Human embryonic stem cell research: An intercultural
perspective. Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal, 14(1), 3-38. Retrieved from https://prx-herzing.lirn.net/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.prx-herzing.lirn.net/docview/217108834?accountid=167104
The following source provides insight into how embryonic stem cell research is viewed in 4 regions of the world. It entails how religion plays a major role in the way stem cell research is perceived.