{ Debating Stem Cells [Case Study 8] Dr. G – Bioethical the Beginning of Life Mary Padberg, Ian Lesuik, Alex Veno, & Cassandra Coleman May 16, 2013

We will be looking at and discussing the ethical and biomedical aspects of both Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells. Introduction to Stem Cells

 Embryonic Stem Cell Research is just as it sounds~ stem cells extracted from embryos in the laboratory!  Scientists claim that they can attain great advances in medicine using ESCs.  Also, Embryos are more plentiful and accessible than Adult Stem Cells.  For ex, all of the homeless frozen embryos Embryonic Stem Cells

 Harvesting/Utilizing Stem Cells from Embryos is morally problematic.  Not only does the Embryo subject to experimentation die, but its dignity is not respected by the very nature of it being treated like a science experiment. The Ethicality of ESCR

 Some argue that a child post-natal beholds more dignity and thus deserves more respect than a child in the womb (an embryo, fetus, etc).  With this logic, however, an embryo can be manufactured and slaughtered for its stem cells that may benefit or save the life of a post natal human being.  Although the intention to save a human being’s life is good, the life of one cannot be exploited for the sake of another. One life for another?

 Embryonic stem cells are not very promising.  In the world of stem cell research, there are no solid progressions with the use of ESCs…  ESCs are actually quite unstable and chock full of complications such as the high tendency to develop spontaneous tumors. In addition, there is always the disappointing issue of tissue rejection. Are ESCs promising?

Where do you get them? ASCs can be extracted from a post-natal human’s bone marrow, placenta, [umbilical] cord blood, etc. Adult Stem Cells

 It is morally permissible to get stem cells from an adult’s bone marrow, placenta, or umbilical cord.  Note that the placenta and cord blood can be preserved right after birth and stored until the multipotent stem cells are needed. The Ethicality of ASCR

 Adult Stem Cells have the greatest promise of success. Doctors have been harvesting bone marrow for years to harvest the power of its stem cells to heal others.  Note that the donation of bone marrow is morally permissible to help another. Why ASCs?

Diane Irving, Ph.D., a former professor of biology at Georgetown University and former biochemist with the National Cancer Institute, said, "I have argued that adult stem cells are better because they are closer to the stage of differentiation than embryonic or fetal cells - therefore they do not have as long a distance to travel differentiation-wise as the younger cells. Therefore there is far less of a chance for genetic errors to be accumulated in the implanted cells and less side effects for the patient to deal with."

We have come to the conclusion that Adult Stem Cells are the best option. They are ethical and efficacious with proven success. The Conclusion.

Works Cited Mattes, Bradley. "Life Issues Institute - Embryonic Verses Adult Stem Cells?" Life Issues Institute. Life Issues Institute, 19 May Web. 16 May "Embryo: A Defense of Human Life [Hardcover]." Embryo: A Defense of Human Life: Robert P. George, Christopher Tollefsen: : Amazon.com: Books. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 May 2013.