STEM-CELL RESEARCH BY: TROY HILKENS ROBBY LANGTON AND TODD SACHS

Introduction A stem cell is an immature cell that has the potential to become specialized into different types of cells throughout the body. Stem cells could also be used someday to replace or repair tissue damaged by disease or injury. Stem cell technology has been used for more than 20 years in bone marrow transplants, where the patient's bone marrow stem cells are replaced with those from a healthy, matching donor.

Catholic Churches Position The Catholic Church is against embryonic stem-cell research because it involves the destruction of human embryos. Pope John Paul II said embryonic stem-cell research is related to abortion, euthanasia and other attacks on innocent life.

CLASS POLL ARE YOU FOR OR AGAINST STEM CELL RESEARCH?

Pros of Stem-Cell Research Studies have shown an improvement in cardiac function in adults with acute myocardial infarction. Recent progress shows that neurons suitable for transplantation can be generated from stem cells in culture, and that the adult brain produces new neurons from its own stem cells in response to injury Can also be used to cure Parkinson's disease.

Cons of Stem-Cell Research Some say it infringes on human rights The embryos require a fetus to be killed or destroyed in order to get There is a federal ban on Stem-Cell Research

How it is done They are derived from human embryos—often those from fertility clinics who are left over from assisted reproduction attempts (e.g., in vitro fertilization). When stem cells are obtained from living human embryos, the harvesting of such cells necessitates destruction of the embryos.

Diseases that can be cured by Stem-Cell Research Diabetes Parkinson's Alzheimer's Cancer Multiple sclerosis Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) Spinal cord injuries Blindness HIV/AIDS.

Life-saving stem cell treatments are already successful and in widespread use for some diseases. For example, bone marrow transplants use stem cells to treat leukemia. Stem cell research could lead to treatments that save millions of lives and improve the quality-of-life for millions more. Scientists are working on a wide range of stem cell-based therapies. They have created "tissue patches" for burn victims. They have grown islet cells that produce insulin to treat diabetes and healthy brain cells to ease the symptoms of disorders like Parkinson's disease. They have genetically changed cells and then used them to deliver healing or protective agents to injured or diseased areas of the body.

NOW WHICH SIDE DO YOU CHOOSE? WHY?

Works Cited