Embryonic Stem Cells: The Future of Medicine Essay example -- Embryon

Whereas there are many facets of medical research in the world at the present time, one of the more controversial continues to be stem cell research and more specifically, embryonic stem cell research. The percentage of groups and individuals who agree or disagree with this science are roughly equal on both sides of the argument. There are many quarrels within this one area including â€Å"should stem cell research be federally funded†, â€Å"is embryonic stem cell research ethical†, and â€Å"is the outcome of stem cell research worth it†? While there is no right or wrong answer to these questions, since the answer would vary depending on whom you ask, the argument regarding this topic remains quite passionate and heated. Embryonic stem cell research is the medical study of cells taken from embryos before they are able to implant into a uterus. This procedure – harvesting the cells – ultimately destroys the embryo rendering it non-viable and unable to sustain life. Adult stem cell research is simply the study of stem cells harvested from adults and used in many areas of medicine. Numerous groups are opposed this sort of research because they feel it infringes on the right to life, while others do not believe that an embryo that has spent five days in a petri dish should be considered a human. In the 1800’s the first discovery of stem cells occurred. This discovery proved that some cells could spawn other cells. However, it was not until the early 1900’s that research demonstrated stem cells could generate blood cells. This was very promising in the medical community at that time since so many diseases ran rampant and were incurable. During the infancy of stem cell research , both animal and human stem cells were used. Now, for medic... ...h Embryonic Stem Cell Research?. Pregnantpause.org. 26 Jul 2001. Web. 28 Nov 2011. Moisse, Katie. â€Å"Stem Cells: New Hope for Heart Failure Patients†. Abcnews.com. 14 Nov 2011. Web. 15 Nov 2011. Park, Alice. â€Å"Stem Cell Miracle? New Therapies May Cure Chronic Conditions like Alzheimer’s†. Time Magazine. 25 Jun 2011. Web. 10 Nov 2011. Snow, Nancy. â€Å"Stem Cell Research New Frontiers in Sciences and Ethics†. Houston Community College Library. 2004. Print. 10 Nov 2011. Stem Cell Basics: What are the potential uses of human stem cells and the obstacles that must be overcome before these potential uses will be realized?. In Stem Cell Information. Web. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009. 22 Nov 2011. Tasker, Fred. â€Å"New Stem Cell Study Promises to Heal the Heart†. Dallas Morning News. 22 Mar 2011. Web. 10 Nov 11.