Stem cells are cells from which all other cells are generated. Researchers study
stem cells with hopes to understand how diseases occur, generate healthy cells to
replace disease affected cells, and test new drugs for safety and effectiveness. Stem
cells can be found in umbilical cords, embryos, and adult bone marrow to name a few.
In some cases, the use of stem cell therapy can be beneficial. For example, stem cell
therapy is the only cure for a rare disease known as severe combined immunodeficiency
(SCID). a The survival rate for children with SCID has increased over the years due to
stem cell therapy. The ethical concerns with stem cell research are the use of
embryonic stem cells. These cells come from eggs that were fertilized at in vitro
fertilization clinics but never implanted in women’s uteruses (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2022).
This means destroying the life of a potential human. Embryonic stem cell research
forces us to choose between two moral principles, the duty to prevent or alleviate
suffering and the duty to respect the value of human life (Hermerén, n.d.).
References
Hermerén, G. (n.d.). Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Ethical Dilemma.
EuroStemCell. Retrieved April 22, 2022, from https://www.eurostemcell.org/embryonic-
stem-cell-research-ethical-dilemma
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, March 19). Stem cells: What they are and what they do. Mayo
Clinic. Retrieved April 22, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-
marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117
