Exploring the great stem cell research debate

Science has advanced more in the past 200 years than the rest of human history combined. With these advances coming from multiple fields, ranging from space to medicine, there is no doubt that the quality of human life has increased exponentially. Then, why is it that we as humans are still affected by a varying degree of illnesses that have the power to kill us? While these diseases are currently a major concern, it is becoming possible that in the near future, they could become a thing of the past. One area of research in this quest is the study of stem cells. Most people in Canada have probably heard of stem cells, but how many people can say that they at least minimally understand what they are and what they do?

Stem cells are cells that can differentiate into specialized cells, and also can divide to make more cells that are found specifically in multicellular organisms. Basically, that means that they are cells which have no specialty unless they are needed for a specific function.These undifferentiated cells are only found in multicellular organisms, like animals or plants. In fully adult organisms, stem cells are used to repair the various systems of the body so that they can function at optimum level.There are three known sources of stem cells in adults: bone marrow, lipid cells (extracted through liposuction), and blood cells. All of these areas require very specific methods of extraction. Stem cells can also be taken from the umbilical cord immediately after birth. Stem cell research became increasingly popular in the 60s, when reports from Doctors James Till and Ernest McCulloch of the University of Toronto were publicized.

It is evident that stem cells could have many uses in the field of medicine, and are already being investigated for treatment of a number of diseases and conditions. These include various cancers, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other deadly diseases. These are all examples of conditions that can be treated and prevented with stem cell therapy. They are all in the advanced stages of research and development, although some are much further along in this process.

While this all sounds like breakthrough research, there is, of course, a downside to stem cells. It can be unbelievably difficult to obtain a very specific type of cell, because not all cells in a certain area are the same. If these cells don’t do exactly what is needed, they can add other issues to the procedure, such as undesired tissue buildup in the body. Another possible and very serious downside is the formation of tumors after transplantation. Although there is a very small chance of this happening, it is a legitimate concern with certain types of stem cells. While these are very serious scientific issues, the true problem surrounding stem cell research is the sociopolitical aspect.

There are a very large number of ethical issues involving stem cells as a whole. Most of these surround the usage and development of the human embryo, also known as embryonic stem cells. These problems arose from the 1998 discovery of extracting stem cells from human embryos. This lead to the moral debate of the beginning of life and whether the process of destroying the cell constituted as a form of killing. Many of the same groups who oppose this process are also anti-abortion activists who opposed medical abortions, as they believed them to be murder. Others argue that if adult cells are also available, then it is not necessary for scientists to use embryonic cells from a human. This is a question that is often asked and has been answered in many different ways. These embryonic cells divide much more rapidly than adult stem cells, making it easier to generate a large number faster. Embryonic cells also have a much broader range of diseases which can be treated.

The rules limiting the use of embryonic stem cells were lax in 2005, which allowed government-funded research on frozen embryos, as long as the donor gave permission. These laws are also in place in European countries like Finland, Sweden and the UK. However, any bills concerning stem cell research and its funding were vetoed by then American president, George Bush. This cycle continued until President Obama removed these restrictions on the continuing research of already existing embryos, while still prohibiting the creation of new research lines. Religious views on the subject are varying and range from either side of the spectrum. In the Jewish faith, there is overwhelming support for the research of embryonic stem cells, as long as the embryos are not implanted into women and are only used for medical purposes. The Catholic religion holds the opposite view, by completely opposing the use of stem cells in what is considered to be the destruction of human lives. The Islamic faith is in support of this research since it is used to save humans, which adheres to their beliefs.

While there is no right side to the great stem cell research, everyone has an opinion. Mine is that the possible medical benefits undoubtedly outweigh the possible religious or ethical issues that some people have with the process. I believe that the possibility of saving hundreds of thousands of lives is a beautiful thing that science will continue to work towards.