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). 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, fromhttps://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, fromhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-
marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117
