Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the potential to develop into many different cell types. Adult stem cells are multipotent, meaning they can develop into more than one cell type, but are limited to certain types of tissue. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can develop into any type of cell in the body. Stem cells can also be used to heal the body, which is why a lot of research is being put into it.
While stem cell research is a major advancement in medical technology, it raises a few ethical concerns. I am for stem cell research under one condition: that the stem cells come from a willing donor. This means I support the use of adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. However, as someone who believes that human life matters at every stage of development, I do not the use of embryonic stem cells.
Proponents of embryonic stem cell research are quick to point out that embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, which gives them more potential than adult stem cells. While this is true, they ignore that pluripotent cells don’t necessarily come from embryos. In 2006, Shinya Yamanaka discovered a way to make adult stem cells pluripotent. These induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are very similar to embryonic stem cells, and while those similarities may not be enough for iPSC to replace embryonic stem cells, iPSC may be a better alternative because it allows the person to use their own stem cells (autologous stem cell therapy) rather than those of some strange embryo. This is important because a person’s body may reject foreign objects, and using one’s own stem cells allows the body to heal as it would naturally. If more research was put into iPSC, we could have an alternative that is both ethical and effective.
Unfortunately, there is one other obstacle that prevents this from happening: the government. While the government funds embryonic stem cell research, the FDA has made many regulations that make autologous stem cell therapy expensive, inaccessible, and even illegal. These regulations are unnecessary, as autologous stem cell therapy is only between the doctor and the patient and has no harm on the general public. If the FDA reduces these regulations, many lives would be saved.
In conclusion, stem cell research has a lot of potential, and the ethical concerns surrounding it can be resolved. More research should be put into iPSC, as is an ethical alternative to embryonic stem cell research, and may also be more effective. Most of the FDA’s regulations on autologous stem cell therapy are unnecessary and harmful. If these two things were changed, stem cells could save more lives with less controversy.
"What Is the Difference between Totipotent, Pluripotent, and Multipotent?" NYSTEM. New York State, n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2016.
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"Stem Cell Basics." National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 5 Mar. 2015. Web. 22 Jan. 2016.
"What Is the Difference between Totipotent, Pluripotent, and Multipotent?" NYSTEM. New York State, n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2016.
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