Stem cells have the capacity to create other cells in the body, such as brain, muscle, tissue and blood cells. This is why it is considered a revolutionary option to repair or replace damaged cells or tissues, as in the case of cancer. Stem cells are present in all of our bodies and for the entirety of our existence. But its potency is highest in a fetus than in an adult body, resulting in fetal stem cell research.
The negative and positive effects it would have on a fetus led to a heated debate about embryonic stem cell research, as it is also called. There is a big question about the ethics evaluation that researchers must do. Even if the embryos used for research have been fertilized for research purposes or are aborted fetuses, they are still human lives that will be disposed of when they have served their purpose.
This is why religious groups, moral activists, and the government are opposed to stem cell research, …show more content…
Provides greater research advantage
Unlike adult stem cells, embryonic cells are easier to identify, isolate and purify. In just 5 to 7 days, they can be harvested and then assigned a personal identity. These are all possible, because embryonic cells are just a mass of cells. Moreover, embryonic cells are free of genetic diseases, enabling them to form a reliable cure.
List of cons of fetal stem cell research
1. Disrespect of Human Rights
For research subjects to be derived, embryos have to be disassembled before the component cells can be grown in culture. The process basically destroys a human embryo, which goes against any religious or moral beliefs. Thus the question of morality and ethics.
2. Related to cloning
Because human cells are duplicated, embryonic stem cell research is considered related to human cloning, which is another subject for a heated debate. Similar to cloning, most people will disapprove any use of public funds that will destroy human lives. So opposition will remain