Are you in favour of stem cells research?
For the uninitiated, embryonic stem cells are a mass of cells, which have the unique property to proliferate and differentiate into any kind of tissue of the body. For example, they have the capacity to turn into the muscle cell, the nerve cell, or the blood cell. They can in fact be directed to differentiate into specific cell types. This unique capacity of the human embryonic stem cells makes them a significant source of research and exploration of the countless opportunities in terms of prevention of different diseases.
Many chronic and fatal diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease and several birth defects and the dreaded diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's can be treated by harnessing stem cells. In addition, at present humans who need organ replacements have to depend on donated organs and tissue and further research in the field of stem cells will also benefit this field. Human stem cells can also be used to test new drugs. Thus, there exist a whole lot of fields where the research on stem cells would benefit the human race.
However, there have been strict objections to the research by many religious groups on grounds that the culling of stem cells kills the embryo, and it is highly unethical to take away the precious life force. And this is a point of our debate that whether or not we should promote a research, which raises a question of ethics.
Keeping the sentiments of the people in mind, the US has imposed strict restrictions on the stem cell research and has limited it to only specific cell lines. But there is a host of potential that remains unexploited.
My gutfeel on the issue is that any restriction in the stem cell research is unwarranted. I feel that if the stem cells are cultured in vitro, i.e. outside the human body solely for the purpose of research then there should be no argument like that of taking away a life. The purpose for which they will be used, for curing ailments, is very noble and should be undertaken with full vigor.
To me the promise of stem cell therapies is indeed awesome and thus any form of obstacle to the research seems unjustified.
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