Advantages to the Use of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

There is much debate concerning whether the use of embryonic stem cells for medical research is too unethical to be allowed. Some argue that the process kills human lives. Others argue that these largely undeveloped embryos can provide a greater purpose for human kind and end up saving thousands upon thousands of lives. For these people, the advantages of embryonic stem cell research provide enough justification for its use.

• To some, the advantages of embryonic stem cell research far outweigh its disadvantages.

Potential Benefit to Society

• Embryonic stem cells have the potential to contribute immensely to the medical field by providing much-needed treatment for common disorders that involve a loss of cells, such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and even heart attacks, explains an online book funded by the Office of Research Integrity. Many believe that the number of lives advancements in this type of research could end up helping is well worth the effort, despite opposition. Being able to give people a cure for their debilitating conditions (such as multiple sclerosis or cancer) and prolong their lives would be an incredible medical accomplishment.

Availability

• Embryos are frequently developed in laboratories in Petri dishes from egg and sperm donors. Thousands of couples each year who have trouble conceiving children turn to this process, called in-vitro fertilization. Many eggs and millions of sperm cells are mixed during this process, which often results in many embryos. Typically, up to three are implanted into the woman. The extra embryos are frozen for possible future use. Any unused embryos can be donated to support stem cell research. This seems like a better use than simply disposing of them.

Longevity

• When created in a laboratory and placed in a culture, embryonic stem cells continually divide, according to a website run by Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research and Cures. This provides a greater supply and opportunity for continued intense research. Adult stem cells do not have this ability to continually regenerate. Another involved process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT or NT) can also be researched, according to the Office of Research Integrity. It is believed that this type of embryonic stem cell research would result in less bodily rejection of donated tissue because of greater genetic compatibility.

Flexibility

• The idea is to use these embryonic stem cells to produce stem cell lines that can be biologically or chemically altered for use as any kind of bodily tissue, according to the Office of Research Integrity. Adult stem cells are currently used in such treatments as bone marrow transplants for leukemia patients, but they can only be transformed into certain cell and tissue types, according to Research America. In contrast, embryonic stem cells are thought to be able to treat more medical conditions because they can transform into almost any type of body cell or tissue.

Alternative Solution

• Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research and Cures states that most medical scientists believe it is important to continue research in both adult and embryonic stem cell research. Less is known about embryonic stem cell use because of a limited amount of research dedicated to that particular process. If given more attention, it could very well play as much of an integral part of medical treatment as adult stem cells currently play. The only way to find out is to be dedicated to the research. Perhaps some disorders could be better cured with embryonic stem cells rather than adult stem cells. It is always better to provide other alternatives to treatments and cures.