Discussion - My Opinion

My Opinion

A discussion point raised at regular interval involves the debate on whether or not embryonic stem cells should be used. I strongly believe that we should use embryonic stem cells, as they are a more efficient alternative over methods we have previously used, the use of them is not as immoral as some arguers say, and the benefits that can be produced from their use is great.

The main alternative for this kind of method is the use of adult stem cells. While adult stem cells are a relatively useable source, they are not as efficient as embryonic stem cells. Within a maturing embryo, the stem cells found and useable in it add up to quite a large portion of the embryo. Useable adult stem cells are found in only lesser amounts, and must be taken from mature adult individuals. Embryonic stem cells divide faster than adult stem cells, which allows for them to generate larger amounts of stem cells at any one time,  boosting the immediate chance of need during an emergency, i.e. adult stem cells produce slower than embryonic stem cells, so when a patient could need them immediately, adult stem cells may not be ready. A specific adult stem cell may possibly only be able to be used on a certain type of tissue, as opposed to embryonic stem cells, whose high plasticity level allows for flexibility in their change, thus, being able to be used in multiple types of treatments and diseases.

Many pro-life supporters (people against the use of embryonic stem cells) constantly press on the unethical and immoral factor of embryonic stem cell usage. I personally do not believe that the use of them is the equivalent to 'taking a person's life' as some refer to it as. Embryonic stem cells are not at the same value as a human life, and it is much more beneficial for us to use them to cure potential life-threatening diseases and/or infections for the people that live now, rather than just possibly grow them into another person on the planet that could be attacked by the disease we did not find a cure for. A process called IVF, in vitro fertilization, always leaves many unused embryos, which are later discarded and wasted. Would it not be more practical to keep them and at least use their stem cells for the good of science, and of human kind?

The most prominent factor behind wanting to use embryonic stem cells, is most obviously, the benefits we can discover. The stem cells could help in recovery and cures against physical, mental and even genetic diseases, as embryonic stem cells can mould into nearly any tissue. This theory has been tested before, where a veterinary surgeon injected stem cells from a lame dog's fat into it's weak, damaged areas of it's body, and cured it, which allowed the lame dog to walk once again. We can also use embryonic stem cells to enhance our research, by producing artificial tissue from embryonic stem cells, dangerous drugs and medicines, with consequences unknown, can be tested on the fake tissue safely in a laboratory.

To conclude, the use of embryonic stems is very advantageous, and completely outweighs the insignificant costs and so-called potentials. I hope in future that embryonic stem cells may be used by science to assist in evolving our world, so that overall our world will improve.