Brown

Mackenzie Brown
Professor Zawilski
RC 2001-410
2 November 2015
Stem Cell Research: Controversy or Misunderstanding?
While stem cell research has given many the ability to recover from serious
injuries, it has been the upcoming topic of many controversial debates over the past
couple of years. You may ask how come? Stem cells are cells found within different
sections of the human body that can rapidly make copies of themselves, and can
differentiate or develop into more specialized cells. Because of this ability, these cells are
commonly used to replace those that die throughout the process of life, or those that are
lost in an injury. While this controversy is very dense, it can be broken down into three
main sections: what is the controversy over this research, what may be some myths about
this research, and what can be done to decrease the controversy?
The uprising use of stem cell research has caused a synonymous rise in the
amount of controversy associated with it. But why this controversy? This controversy is
strongly focused on the ethics of the research involving the development, usage, and
destruction of human embryos. To understand this controversy, we must start from the
begging of stem cell formation. In stem cell research departments, a mans sperm and a
womans eggs are externally mixed together in a lab dish. Some of the eggs will become
fertilized, while others will not. After about five days, a biastocyst is formed by the
division of the egg into a hallow ball of roughly 100 cells. These embryos are then
implanted into a woman in hopes of impregnating her. Those biastocysts not implanted

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into the woman are stored in an IVE freezer, where researchers must decide their fate.
Four common fates include; continuing to pay to store the embryos (which can be very
expensive), defrost/destroy the embryos, donate the embryos for adoption, which is
extremely rare, or choose to donate the embryos for research. Those donated become the
basis for stem cell research. Research departments may collect these cells from a couple
that decides against implanting certain cells for they may carry genetic mutations
(CIRM). In other words, some forms of stem cells original from embryonic cells, which
is the main point of controversy in this research. According to Californias Stem Cell
Agency, No human embryonic stem cell lines can be created without explicit consent for
the donor.
The main controversy over this research and the process of collecting the cells
coincides strongly with the life controversy. In other words, the controversy over when an
embryo develops into a living thing. Some believe these embryos, even only 5 days old,
are considered a living life form.
On the other hand, those for stem cell research have tried to explain other areas in
the body where these cells can be collected from, while explaining the importance of
embryonic stem cells in relation to these other cells. Stem cells can be taken from other
sources including adult stem cells, amniotic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem
cells. They can additionally be collected from umbilical cords, breast milk and bone
marrow. While adult stem cells are considered extremely valuable and have great
potential for future therapies, they are restricted in what they can do. Embryonic stem
cells can be formed into virtually any cell type in the body, while adult stem cells cannot
(A Close Look at Stem Cells). This adds to the importance of embryonic stem cells.

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In addition to the increasing amount of controversy over this research comes the
increasing amount of myths associated with it. As mentioned above, one of the major
myths regarding stem cell research is that stem cells can only be collected from
embryonic cells. We know this to not be true as these cells can also be collected from
other areas of the body including organs such as bone marrow, fat removed from
liposuction, regions of the nose, and interestingly enough, cadavers up to 20 hours after
death (Pacholczyk). Many also believe stem cell research is against the law; however, in
this day and age, there are no federal laws restricting the destruction of human embryos
for further research. In fact, many of our presidents have funded this research and
continue to. According to Rev. Pacholczyk, President George W. Bush was the first
president to allow federal funding for the limited research on human embryonic stem
cells. Our present President, Barack Obama, has continued this funding.
On the opposing side, some myths suggest that it is morally acceptable to dispose
of these embryos considering they will someday be destroyed anyways. This is major
theme in the controversy against stem cell research. Rev. Pacholczyk includes a very
good example of this myth in his publication, The Ten Great Myths in the Debate Over
Stem Cell Research. In this publication, Pacholczyk describes a scenario with which
miners are trapped below in a mine collapse, something they had no control over.
Knowing these miners would most likely die anyways, it would not make it ok to collect
their organs to further science and individuals who made be in need of them. This
example allows us to see further into the big theme of stem cell controversy and ask
questions ourselves. Do we see this example different than the destruction of embryonic
stem cells because we can visually see the human being destroyed to further science?

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In order to stop this controversy, we must first determine if the problem with stem
cell research is only focused on the destruction of human embryos. If this is the only
problem many individuals have with the research, a simple solution is to eliminate this
form of research and focus on the numerous other solutions. In opposition to embryonic
stem cells, adult stem cells are believed to be less likely to initiate rejection after
transplantation (NIH). Additionally, just as doctors can take ligaments from other parts of
the body to fix another area, stem cells can be taken from different areas of the body to
aid in the recovery of the individual. In other words, stem cells can be taken from other
tissues in the body, such as the nose, and used in other parts of the same individuals body
for recovery. This shows yet another positive of adult stem cell research and a way some
controversy could be dealt with. Stem cells do not necessarily have to come from an
outside source, since our bodies have the ability to use its own resources.

Stem cell research is an important, yet controversial topic in todays world. As an

individual personally affected by stem cell research, I do understand its importance. For
those born with defects in their bones, or other places in their bodies, these stem cells
play a major role in the road to recovery. As an individual born with problems in my
kneecap, holes were created in my kneecap during surgery, which was healed through the
process of stem cells. However, I also understand elements of it that may seem inhumane
to others. In order to progress in this research, we must find a way to utilize cells, such as
those found in nose regions or cadavers, that do not harm potential life.

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California'sStemCellAgency.MythsandMisconceptionsAbout StemCellResearch.
Web.2Nov.2015.
Pacholczyk,Tadeusz.TheTenGreatMythsintheDebateOverStemCellResearch.
NBC Center.Web.2Nov.2015.
StemCellBasics.StemCellBasics.Web.2Nov.2015.
Stem Cell Basics.What Are the Similarities and Differences between Embryonic and
Adult Stem Cells?Stem Cell Information. U.S. Department of Health & Human
Services, 3 Mar. 2015. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.