withallyourmind.net

It is hoped that stem cells will provide new and more effective treatments for many of the debilitating diseases which we face. Stem cells are fast growing, unspecialized cells that can reproduce themselves and grow new organs for the body. All 210 different types of human tissue originate from these primitive cells. Because they have the potential to grow into almost any kind of tissue, including nerves, bones, and muscle, scientists believe that the introduction of healthy stem cells into a patient may restore lost function to damaged organs. It is hoped that these cells will provide replacement tissues for damaged and diseased tissues resulting from many disease processes. Stem cells are found in embryos as well as in adults.

Embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) involves the destruction of human embryos so that their stem cells can be transplanted into the bodies of those suffering from illness. Therapeutic cloning involves creating an embryo that is a genetic clone of the patient and using that embryo as a source for stem cells, which would guarantee that the resulting tissue is not rejected by
the patient’s body. The cloning technique is called Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT). In SCNT, first, an unfertilized egg is taken from a woman and its nucleus is removed. Genetic material (DNA) from the patient is then placed inside the vacated egg. Chemicals are added and a spark of electricity jolts the cell into dividing and growing into a clone. Thisprocess gave us “Dolly,” the first cloned sheep.

Adult stem cells have already been used with positive results in the treatment of various diseases. Studies using non-embryonic stem cells (all considered “adult” stem cells), derived from umbilical cord blood, bone marrow, brain tissue and fat, have moved well beyond theory to application. Clinical studies have offered solid benefits to patients suffering from heart disease, blood disorders and other afflictions. See here for information on the progress made in adult stem cell therapies. Despite the scientific communities focus on the potential benefits of ESCR, embryonic stem cells have yet to demonstrate a single human therapeutic benefit.

Next, a continued evaluation of the ethics of ESCR based on naturalism.