Persuasive Essay: The Embryonic Stem Cell Debate

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Embryonic stem cell research has been among the most debated topics in science today and has attracted a great deal attention since it raises moral, religious, and scientific questions. Although scientists believe that embryonic stem cell research is the key to numerous cures of diseases and disabilities millions of patients across the globe suffer from, this route is considered extremely controversial. First of all, what are embryonic stem cells? Embryonic stem cells are basically unspecialized cells that can be manipulated into any of the 220 types of human cells known. Scientists believe that these cells have the potential to cure numerous diseases from Parkinson's to spinal cord injury and help expand medical knowledge. Although this…show more content…
These stem cells are acquired from blastocysts, which are early developmental stages of human embryos. Once the stem cells are obtained, the embryos are inevitably destroyed and this is considered murder since the embryos have the potential to become a "fully fledged human being" (Q&A: Stem Cells). Deciding whether or not embryos have a right to live is like playing God. No one possesses the authority to determine which lives should be destroyed and which should not. All humans, even those in the embryonic stage, are created by God and deserve our protection and respect. Also, it is not even verified that these cells can live up to the expectations of scientists, and in addition to committing murder for what is based on pure speculation, there are health risks involved in transplanting stem cells, since the cells have the possibility of passing viruses and even turning cancerous. Furthermore, scientists are cloning embryos in order to overcome tissue rejection during cell transplants and this will inevitably lead to human cloning (Stem Cells). Therefore, embryonic stem cell research should not be legalized and continued since it is morally wrong, dangerous, and may even lead to…show more content…
The cost of obtaining embryonic stem cells is unethical since it involves the inevitable destruction of human lives. Human embryos deserve respect as a form of human life and there is no justifiable reason to venture on the route of murder. "The human embryo is the weakest and least advantaged of our fellow human beings. No community is really strong if it will not carry its weakest members (Bourzac)." Banning embryonic stem cell research would give life a chance to happen since frozen embryos in labs could be implanted into a woman's uterus and become a child at any time. In addition, there are health risks involved with stem cells since instead of curing diseases, stem cell transplants can pass viruses or other agents to patients and thus, cause even more diseases. Furthermore, scientists are cloning embryos in order to overcome tissue rejection during cell transplants and this will inevitably lead to human cloning, which is both dangerous and morally wrong. There is no justifiable reason to continue researching embryonic stem cells since it is immoral, unethical, dangerous, and very
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