Morals and ethics of using stem cells 

Stem cells are the body's raw materials — Stem cells are cells which have not undergone cell
differentiation and are able to express all of their genes and divide by mitosis. During
development, the stem cells undergo cell differentiation. This is the process by which cells
become specialized for different functions. Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory
(mainly laboratory for stem cells), stem cells divide to form more cells called daughter cells.
Morals and ethics of using human embryonic stem cells in research has long been discussed on
their ethical issues. While stem cell usage shows great potential for curing conditions diabetes,
Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury. The moral issues behind it may cause concerns for
some people.

The greatest argument against the use of stem cells, is that the moral status of an embryo at
and beyond fertilization is a hot topic that discusses about religious, scientific, and moral
principles. The balance between our duty to respect human life and our desire to develop life-
saving cures created a difficult dilemma concerning the use of human embryonic stem cells.

Since 2006 new methods of creating stem cells have arisen. Such as the usage of adult stem
cells, which do not come from embryo but rather come from adult tissues such as bone marrow
or fat. Though initially to be of less use than embryonic stem cells, advancements in genetic
engineering have allowed adult stem cells to form into other body cells and also act more like
embryonic stem cells.
it is important to be clear about the embryo from which stem cells are extracted. Which is often
misrecognized as a fetus. It is not a fetus. It has no human features or form. It is, rather, a
blastocyst, a group of 180 to 200 cells, growing in vitro. However, for those who believe that life
begins at conception, the blastocyst is a human life, and to destroy it is unacceptable and
immoral.

There are other arguments against stem cell usage such as additional ethical issues regarding
the creation of human tissues in a lab, such as cloning. People may see that creating living
tissue in a laboratory and whether that represents humans taking on the role of God. And also
cost patients monetary problems as stem cells require large sums of money.

Main arguments for the usage of stem cells, is the obvious for their regenerative properties to be
used in healing many diseases including Alzheimer's, certain cancers and Parkinson's. It can
also be used to expand our knowledge and help us understand more diseases.

As promising as the field is, stem cell treatments still are unproven, and they often have high
rejection rates. But once is studied and researched to a higher level; will be crucial in many
medical practices.

While both side of the arguments hold strong calls and causes. Whether its morally right or
wrong is subjective to everyone and depends on a person’s priorities. Whether it be morals over
health, or health over morals
References
.Explorable.com (Mar 20, 2008). Stem Cell Research. Retrieved Apr 07, 2020 from
Explorable.com: https://explorable.com/stem-cell-pros-and-cons

.http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2014/never-an-easy-answer-the-ethics-of-stem-
cells/ Ilana Kelsey 2008
.Phillips, Theresa. "Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research." ThoughtCo, Mar. 9, 2020,
thoughtco.com/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research-375483.
.https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-
depth/stem-cells/art-20048117