WHEN LIFE DOES BEGINS? Workshop No. 2 By Ruth Marcin iec October 13, 2003 Stem Cell Research In the past years there has been some research done on the from embryos. In this paper, you will be able to recognize the differences between stem cells as well as the controversy by several pro life groups on the decision of using embryos for research. While some people accepts the idea of research for a possible cure of diseases or better quality of life, some of us think that human life, no matter in which form, is far to precious and valuable to kill.
Stem cells are cells that have the potential to become many different kinds of cells. They are the means by which cells in the body can be replenished (Shannon, 2002 p. 5). This is important since the body could start regenerating damaged tissue.
There are three primary sources of stem cells: embryonic stem cells derived from a very early embryo, embryonic germ cells taken from fetal tissue at a slightly later stage of development, and adult stem cells obtained from mature tissues (All stem cells are not alike, 2002, p 11). I start wondering to what happened with the world. We live so comfortably that we don’t even care about the consequences of our actions. We think that is ok for a woman to walk to an abortion clinic and kill her unborn child. I come from a very strong catholic background and it is considering a sin to kill, it is clearly stated in the 10 commandments. “Stem- cell research on embryos is an even worse excuse fro the slaughter of life than abortion.” (Coulter, 2001, 5) There is no different than killing early embryos for the sake of science.
Who cares if we need to kill thousands of unborn babies in the process? Scientifically, “removing the cells from the blastocyst causes the end of potential like”, (All stem cells are not alike, 2002, p 11). This is why I consider the research a slaughter. References Coulter, A. (2001). Embryos in the Rain Forest.
Retrieved October 11, 2003, from EBSCOhost database. All stem cells are not alike. (2002). Retrieved October 11, 2003, from EBSCOhost database.