PLEASE be specific or give me a link thank you!
2007-11-26 13:53:37 · 6 answers · asked by Keep your head high. :) 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The biggest problem is the ethical dilemma people have with using the embryonic tissue, resulting in a not so living fetus. I understand this, and empathize with these people, but abortion is currently legal, and there are usually very few reason that those legally aborted fetuses can't be used for research.
A great deal of the stem cell research that has come about to date has not delivered (so far)...in other words, a lot of what researchers thought they would be able to cure, or save, or whatever, through stem cell research hasn't panned out. It hasn't become the panacea that many thought it would be. But it is a fairly young research area, and we don't know near as much as we thought we would by now about genetics and cell controls. That doesn't mean (in my mind) that we should stop stem cell research, or strictly limit it (as has been done by the current administration).
2007-11-26 14:25:35 · answer #1 · answered by the_way_of_the_turtle 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
There are several types of stem cells. Some are taken from adult tissues, some from the umbilical cord, and some from embryos.
The most promising types of stem cells (those that could be used for therapeutic means) are derived from human embryos. During the process of stem cell harvest, the embryo is destroyed.
Some people equate that process to homicide, since the embryo (before stem cell harvesting) is fully capable of developing into a full-term baby. People in this camp typically promote the use of non-embryonic stem cells, which do not involve destruction of embryos.
But the embryos that are used to make embryonic stem cells are surplus embryos from fertility clinics, and they would normally just be destroyed anyway. And so the embryonic stem cell proponents suggest that since the embryos are being destroyed anyway, we might as well get some scientific use from them.
2007-11-26 14:02:15 · answer #2 · answered by Joe 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most people are against stem cell research because they are misinformed, believe it justifies abortions (as a source for fetal stem cells), and believe it could lead to cloning.
2007-11-26 15:06:38 · answer #3 · answered by feral_akodon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because, where is the line that may be crossed ?? There is a line. So, let's say stem cell research is used to determine the sex of an unborn child and, if a person preferred a male vs.a female child, what would this knowledge create?? It is kind of pre-determining as to what kind of child that a couple may want. However, as a RN., I am for stem cell research so that is can help with diseases and disorders. But, the problem, is where the line is drawn. I hope that this helped. Here's a web:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell
2007-11-26 14:16:20 · answer #4 · answered by Ruth 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
This is a controversial issue because they are harvested from embryonic tissues. It is feared by some, that in the quest for tissue, there may be pregnancies specifically for the purpose of aborting the fetus to harvest the tissue. They view any fetus at any stage of development as a human being and believe it is immoral to abort a fetus for any reason. A ban on abortions would prevent the harvesting of the embryonic tissue.
2007-11-26 14:03:21 · answer #5 · answered by ScSpec 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I like stem cells.
2007-11-26 14:01:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋