Stem Cell Research

The knowledge about the human body has extremely increased over the past years. Scientists have now began to put together what we call the human genome. One of their recently debated findings is the use of stem cells in scientific research. Stem cells are very important and act as a repair system for our body. They can divide as many times as needed and develop into almost any cell type. These cells are taken from human embryo, and the embryo is then thrown out. Many people believe that this type of research can be very helpful to our society, while others believe that it is morally wrong.

In the article, "Why pro-lifers are missing the point", Charles Krauthammer explains why stem cell research is so important for the progression in the study of science. He states "the real problem is not where the cells come from, but where they are going." Krauthammer also believes that it would be a smart idea to look further into stem cell research, before taking any drastic measures. Through embryonic stem cells the cure for many illnesses and diseases could be found. Lou-Gehrig's, Parkinson's, Diabetes, and Alzheimer's is just the beginning of many! Krauthammer's main point throughout the article is "it took nature 3 billion years of evolution to produce cells that have the awesome power to develop autonomously into anything from a kidney cell to a full thinking human being."(Krauthammer)

Joseph Perkins is one of the leading professors of cellular and molecular biology, from the University of California. In his article "Embryonic stem cell research is wrong" he describes how the government is right for putting laws against the harvesting embryonic stem cells. In the beginning Perkins makes you believe that he is for the research. He himself had taken part in many studies that used embryonic stem cells. Since these kind of studies are prohibited his research was not backed by federal funding. Perkins then goes on to state "What makes embryonic stem cell research all the more objectionable is that is hasn't come close to yielding the medical breakthroughs promised by others, and probably never will." Embryonic stem cells are genetically unstable and should not be used for degenerative diseases. The stem cells can even be rejected by a patient's immune system or the body can go against them and grow into tumors. Perkins believes that use of adult stem cells should be permitted in