Stem cell research ban lifts, ethical concerns still raise questions
By: Brandon Smith
Issue date: 4/7/09 Section: Nation/World
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Scientists can now receive federal funding to continue the research of embryonic cells, which many believe has the potential of curing many diseases, such as Diabetes and Parkinson's disease.
Research was stalled in 2001, after former president, George W. Bush, placed a ban on federal funds that would go towards the research.
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the potential to form and repair other types of specific cells, such as blood, brain, tissue, or muscle cells.
Although they are found in the adult body, they are far more numerous in the fetus. Furthermore, according to experiment-resources.com, embryo stem cells are developed four to five days after a female egg has been fertilized by sperm.
Also, embryonic stem cells have the advantages of being almost immortal. They can provide a continuous supply of cells with well-defined characteristics, and are also readily available, often being supplied by in vitro fertilization clinics.
According to stemresearchfacts.com, research is used to investigate these basic cells that help develop organisms. The cells are then grown in laboratories where they are eventually transplanted at large numbers to treat severe and debilitating diseases.
Although many have praised the president for his immediate decision, others feel that the research raises a question of morality.
According to experiment-resources.com, the most common and conventional way for obtaining embryos is by removing the fetus of a pregnant woman between the fifth and ninth week.
This is where many raise the question of where human life begins, and whether scientists are destroying by using it to create or repair cells.
Many state legislators in states such as Georgia are considering to establish bills that will restrict funding for the research, while legislators in states such as Texas are considering to prohibit research of embryonic cells all together, according to Fox news.
Joy Groce, a senior mass media arts major with a concentration in television, also showed her disapproval for the funding.
"You're taking life and that's the same thing as having an abortion. They will be taking cells away and killing embryos, Groce said.
However, juniors JeNaeé Newman and Tory Wilson showed appreciation for the president's immediate action to grant federal funds to the research of embryonic stem cells.
Newman, an early childhood education major said, "Why not use them to save a life, especially those used from abortions. The embryos are just going to be wasted. So, why not go forth?"
"They need to do more research. People don't really know what the scientists know and the embryo hasn't developed. This could potentially help a lot of people with birth defects and skin diseases," stated Wilson, a Pre-med Psychology student.
