Stem cell research

Stem cell research has been a topic of controversy for a while now. Some people think it is a great idea and others think that it is against God’s will. First brought up in 1908 by a Russian histologist Alexander Maksimov. In 1968, the first bone marrow transplant was successful between two siblings. It wasn’t until the 90’s when break through really started to happen. Stem cells are basically an internal repair system that replenishes other cells in the body as long as it lives. Stem cells can stay the same or change to be another cell that may be needed. They are able to divide to renew themselves either after being inactive or to become tissue. Scientists have been mainly doing research on two types of stem cells, embryonic and non- embryonic cells. Non- embryonic cells are also called “somatic” or “adult” cells. This research helps scientists understand how an organism develops from a single cell. It also plays a major part in finding a cure for cancer, birth defects, and other serious diseases. It is already being used in bone marrow transplants fro leukemia patients. Scientists are hoping that soon, stem cells will be able to help treat and possibly even cure other diseases like cancer, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and muscle damage, as well as others.


The controversy about the research goes even deeper into the issues. It comes down to thee ethics of things and how testing is done for stem cells. People against stem cell research claim its because they feel like it could lead to cloning and they are uncomfortable with that idea. It has been a big debate in politics as well. In May of 2000, George W. Bush , who was running for office at the time, opposed stem cell research and told pro-life groups just that. He allowed scientists to use the embryos that they had for research, but he cut all other funding for future research on the topic. One option Bush had was to fully decline all funds to all research and make them stop what they were doing with what they had. However, this wasn’t possible due to the Supreme Court case of Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court decided that a woman can do with her body what she pleases. This is why women are able to have abortions or donate embryos to stem cell research. And this is why women are still able to donate their embryos for the research. It’s like a loophole.

Personally, I’m all for stem cell research. A really good friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer when he was just a freshman in high school. Last year, he was given another chance at life by having a stem cell transplant. It is because of the work and research that has been done, that this boy will be able to graduate high school, he is able to finally work again, and live like a normal human being. It has been over a year now since he received the treatment and he is cancer free. As a personal opinion, I am all for stem cell research because I will be able to have more time with someone that means a lot to me.