What are the pros and cons to stem cell research?
How are embryos used for research? Why is it considered controverisal?
How are the embryos treated after experimentation?
Very interested in all the controversy surrounding this touchy subject would love to hear peoples views on it and their view points
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2007-01-15 10:03:18 · 5 answers · asked by matt151091 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
They actually take the stem cells from blastocysts, not actual embryos. More commonly however is taking the left over blastocysts from fertility clinics, where if they are not used they are actually just thrown in the trash.
2007-01-15 10:14:38 · answer #1 · answered by Megs 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Follow the $ Matt. Stem Cell research has been ongoing for an extended peiod of time and has been very successful. Many great discoveries. Private Funding is very high because the investors think they can get big returns based on past successes.
Embryonic Stem Cell Research has not had any break throughs. They get very little in the way of private funding because they have not had any success. Because of the lack of private funding some people want the gov't to invest in embryonic stem cell research. There is no shortage of stem cells and as I understand the benefits of using embryonic stem cells versus adult stem cells are outweighed by the problems created. The use of the patient's own adult stem cells would mean that the cells would not be rejected by the immune system. This represents a significant advantage as immune rejection is a difficult problem.
2007-01-15 18:16:55 · answer #2 · answered by mferunden 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, you need to distinguish between various type of stem cell research. In addition to 'embryotic' stem cells there are also 'adult' stem cells, stem cells obtained from umbilical cord blood, and stem cells obtained from amniotic fluid. The only form of stem cell research that is controversial is that using embryotic stem cells. Nearly all useful discoveries from stem cell reteach have resulted from 'adult' stem cells. Embryos are not treated at all AFTER experimentation. The process of 'harvesting' stem cells for research KILLS the embryo. Whoever stated stem cells come from ''blastocysts" is playing word games. The term refers to a stage of development after the egg is fertilized but before it is implanted in the uterine wall. Those opposed to 'embryonic' stem cell research believe life begins when the egg is fertilized. If this is true, 'blastocysts' or 'embryos' or whatever you call them are living human beings that are KILLED to obtain 'embryonic' stem cells. The killing is the cause of the controversy.
2007-01-15 19:06:58 · answer #3 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, despite what you will definitely hear from people's answers, they don't get stem cells from aborted babies.
The pros are obviously the medical and scientific advancements that might come. The cons are that you destroy a human embryo for embryonic stem cell research. This embryo is from Invetro fertilization clinics that are currently destroyed. Some see this embryo as a human life. So they say destroying that embryo for research is wrong.
2007-01-15 18:11:06 · answer #4 · answered by Take it from Toby 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
once i found out the benifits i kind of wish they do more reaserch
2007-01-15 18:10:52 · answer #5 · answered by Thomas Crown 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋