A hot topic these days is the use of stem cells for biomedical research on potential cures and treatments for many deadly diseases. The best and most potent stem cells are removed from an early stage embryo. These embryos are in the 50-100 cell stage (or 5 days after conception) which is basically a ball of cells at this point (there are no identifiable human features or parts). These cells are removed and then treated with varying hormones, chemicals, etc to create specific types of cells that can be used in future research. For example, stem cells can be coaxed into differentiating into pancreas, liver, heart, kidney cells, etc, etc. These cells can then grow entirely new organs to replace worn out or damaged organs in those on the organ transplantation list. Diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and paralysis can be treated with stem cells. The list of possibilities is endless.
The controversial part of all this is that many people do not feel comfortable with using cells from these early stage embryos for the research, treatments or cures. Most of these embryos are donated from couples who have extras that were created in the process of in vitro fertilization, a medical treatment to help infertile couples have children. These embryos are donated to research as they will not ever be used to have a baby and are simply thrown away.
Task: Do you support the use of embryonic stem cells in biomedical research? Why or why not? If so, do you believe embryos should be created for the sole use of harvesting stem cells?
