Stem Cell Debate

The Catholic Church and the practice and advancement in medical research have been debated many times over due to the ethics of some practices. Throughout the history of modern medicine, many practices have sparked debate on the nature of the medical practice and whether it is ethical. Many medical practices have directly contradicted the beliefs of Catholics and the Catholic Church. A current topic of debate is the use of embryonic stem cells which are mainly from aborted fetal tissue, which is used for medical research. This improvement in the field of medicine has been argued many times, mainly asking if the practice is ethical or not.

Stem cell research is a fairly controversial topic in the United States. Stem cells are cells that have the potential to become certain types of cells throughout a human body. There are a few types of stem cells, which are embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are the most controversial due to the manner from which they are obtained. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells gathered from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, which is an early-stage embryo that contains about 50-150 cells. However, the extraction of these cells causes the blastocyst to be destroyed, which is what raises many flags to people. The controversy of stem cell research began as early as 1996 when congress

This paper discusses the recent history of stem cell research in the United States, tracking the controversies, politics, and promise of new technology that comes with a moral price. Starting in August of 2001, with President Bush's request that Stem Cell Research not be paid for with federal funding, the battle of science against religion began. (Rosenburg, 2001) Despite extreme pressure from the science community, and the threat of falling behind other nations in this critical research, President Bush never rescinded his ban on federal funding of stem cell research. President Obama, since March 2009, has lifted this ban on federal funding of stem cell research, and for the past three years American scientists have been playing catch up with the rest of the world. The future of stem cell research is promising, but the upcoming presidential field, especially Candidate Rick Santorum, is a threat to the pursuance of this most precious technology. It looks as though the more moderate Mitt Romney will win the Republican nomination, however, and therefore federal funding for stem cells may continue even if Romney wins the general election in November. Stem Cell Research is only seen as a controversial methodology by a small subset of American citizens, yet this subset is extremely vocal. The future of stem cell research looks to be determined by how

Why do religious communities oppose stem cell research and the use of stem cells to help cure human disease and illness? The use of stem cells for medical use have caused many debates and opinions to form in the different religious communities over the years. The main point that the religious communities debate on and that causes the most conflict with stem cells is when does life begin. Does life begin at conception, when the heart starts to beat, or at birth, and is the use of stem cells considered abortion or more seriously murder? Other main points that are debated over is how extra embryos are disposed of and how the embryos are treated during stem cell research. Finally, is there a way in which stem cells could be researched and used to help cure human disease and illness and the religious communities not be opposed to it? If the research does not involve the destruction or killing of an embryo, Christians should approve of stem cell research and use.

Stem cell research is currently being conducted in numerous countries around the world. There are two main types of stem cells currently in use for research, adult and embryonic. This report will discuss the theological aspects of embryonic stem cell research in the United States. As the name implies an embryonic stem cell is harvested from a human embryo. Embryonic stem cells are obtained in two separate ways. One way is to use discarded embryos from in vitro fertilization, where fertilized eggs are donated for research. The second way is when embryos are created specifically for stem cell research. As a Christian it is my view that obtaining stem cells for research from discarded embryos should be encouraged and continue, whereas

Stem cell research has been a hot topic for debates all over the country. People from every major religion and walks of life are always trying to find the morality behind stem cells. However, not all religions have the same opinions.

In order to understand arguments against the use of stem cell technology in the United States, it is crucial to understand the sociopolitical background of its constituents. America is well known for having a varied and diverse ethnic background composing of immigrants from around the world, but in 2012, 73% of Americans claimed Christian affiliation (3). This overwhelming majority of Christianity means that its accompanying religious beliefs emerge in many aspects of our sociopolitical ideology. Much of the opposition to stem cell technology is grounded in the Christian tenet of anti-abortion, which is the source of embryonic stem cells. Although embryonic stem cells are still the gold standard in research and therapeutic use, use of non-embryonic stem cells such as induced pluripotent stem cells is rapidly increasing and does not require

Many different groups of people protest stem cell research. Some protesters say that getting stem cells from embryos amounts to killing a person to improve the life of another (Freedman 18). People protest stem cell research even though the embryos and fetuses would be discarded anyway (Freedman 19). They think if it is accepted, they will start experimenting on people who are going to die, like death row inmates and terminally ill people (Freedman 22). Some supporters of stem cell research say that using tissue from dead embryos is equivalent to transplanting organs from people that died from homicide or suicide. They say stem cell experiments in animals have already shown improvements in disorders. Treatments for diseases and disorders can’t be developed if experiments aren’t performed.

Research regarding each type of stem cell gives way to a moral conflict for many people. In particular, there is much controversy surrounding the advancements and use of the human embryonic stem cells. This is in large part due to the way they are harvested, as extraction cannot be done by doctors and researchers without killing the embryo. There is also a perceived idea that researchers are "playing god". In regard to this moral dilemma, Caulfield and Zarzeczny state "While the majority of these technologies do not involve human embryos and may have distinct scientific purposes and advantages, they are nonetheless commonly linked with hESC research in the prevalent discourse." In other words, despite the fact that stem cell research only involves a small percentage of hESC in the grand scheme and also offers many advantages, people tend to be focused on the morality involving the use of hESC, possibly blinding them to all of the potential positive advantages of the other forms of stem cell research.

The studying of stem cells is a very controversial issue that has been around since 1998 when the research of the use of embryonic stem cell treatment began. The main issues surrounding the discussion of treating people with life-altering disabilities through the use of these pluripotent cells is the ethicality of the matter and whether or not it is a savage act against a fetus. Many who oppose the use of these stem cells derived from excess embryos use the formerly stated opinion to support their argument, while those who are pro research argue that the destroying of one life could save another. The core complications that arise in studying stem cells lies in many Christian-like ethics and morals, otherwise called Christian bioethics. These are rooted in the modern day controversies arising due to advancements made in biology and medicine, mixed with religious views that argue against it. The conflicting interests of the polar opposites which are scientists and those with religious views have caused many complications along the way to discovering new treatments and cures for diseased cells. This bumpy road which has refrained scientists from making tremendous breakthroughs must smooth itself out, and the only way possible is through coming to an agreement that certain stem cell research should be practiced, such as the IPSC and adult stem cells, and others like the

This debate examines the controversies that arise regarding stem cell research and whether or not the cell is an inherent human person. She points to five values that one, as a catholic theology thinker, should focus on. These five values are: The value of nascent life, the value of moral virtue or moral integrity, the value of medical benefits, the value of distributive justice or just institutions, and the value of a social ethos of generosity and solidarity (Lysaught, page 696). One of the most important values that Lysaught touches upon would be the value of moral virtue. Specifically from the Christian standpoint, morals are key to fulfilling a virtuous life. Lysaught claims that, “This value may be translated into the principle that one ought always to act with moral integrity and never act against one’s conscience” (Lysaught, page 699). Here, Lysaught is arguing for the importance of our own free will as well as the inherent values that we as people are capable of using. Most arguments in favor of stem cell research come from the research that shows the promising potential use of the cells, such as treating or potentially curing diabetes, spinal injuries, Alzheimer’s, and many other life threatening chronic diseases. This hope for the cells however comes at a serious cost according to Christians. A Christian

The members of the Catholic Church and many Catholics, oppose the use of embryonic stem cells because it means destroying an innocent human being at any stage in its life. Although they do not oppose the research as a whole, they believe this can further humankind and can save millions of lives. The Catholic Church does encourage scientists and other researchers to continue their experimentations with the use of other sources of stem cells, like adult stem cells, for example.

In recent years, stem cell research has become a prominent way of treating: heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, spinal problems, and much more ; moreover, in recent years as Stem cell research became more popular, it has sparked controversy over the religion aspect of stem cell research. Stem cell research begins with culturing an embryonic cell and then injecting the stem cell into the area of concern(Robertson). Pluripotent stem cells are gathered and used to treat the areas, pluripotent stem cells are those that are in the earliest stages of development ; in addition, at this stage, cells can learn the jobs and take shape of cells that did the job once before (Robertson).

The principle of double effect is the belief that a good end never justifies the evil means. An example of this, besides embryonic stem cell research, would be bombing a country, killing innocent civilians in the process, for peace. The Catholic Church has stated multiple time that they support the advancement of biotechnology and human sciences. Their only favor they ask is that they do research with respect to the sanctity of human life, and the dignity of every human person. “Because life is our first and most basic gift from an infinitely loving God, it deserves our utmost respect and protection.” Also, in vitro fertilization, which is linked to embryonic stem cell research, which is also frowned upon by the Catholic Church, also because of its disregard for the sanctity of human life, along with its disregard of the sanctity of marriage. One of the popular arguments proposed by supporters of embryonic stem cell research is that, if embryonic stem cell research uses leftover cells, that are destined to die, created by in vitro fertilization, so why not put the cells to good uses? The only problem with this is that, as stated earlier, the Catholic Church views in vitro fertilization as morally wrong, too. So, this argument would only hold up if the researchers used cells created in some way that the Church views as morally okay, which is not likely to happen. Another argument proposed by supporters is that the embryos are

More than one ethical position on stem cell research could be called "religious"; and as a Christian, could ethically support stem cell research because of its potential for relieving human suffering and enhancing human health and well-being. There is more than one way to be moral, more than one way to translate one's faith commitments into public policy. (185)