Stem Cell Research

2 Pages 552 Words

Stem Cell Research: Promise or Peril?

Stem cell research has been one of the most debated issues of the year. It is a subject that has divided political parties, governments and religions. Though there are rewards and benefits to stem cell research, the moral and ethical ramifications behind it are causing a paradigm shift. Though I view the situation as a clear-cut ethical debate, many scientists view stem cell research as a means by which to better our society. But how can the taking of innocent unborn lives for experimental purpose be a tool to improving society?
Taking stem cells from a human embryo requires the destruction of that human life. From the moment a sperm and egg cell meet, a life is formed. The simple fact that stem cells are extracted from unborn fetuses has tied the issue of stem cell research into that of abortion. Many pro-life supporters fear that the use of federal funding for stem cell research will in turn condone abortion. The pope, in an address to President Bush on July 23, 2001 says, “A free and virtuous society, which America aspires to be, must reject practices that devalue and violate human life at any stage, from conception until natural death. In defending the right to life, in law and through a vibrant culture of life, America can show the world the path to a truly humane future in which man remains the master, not the product, of his technology.”
Supporters of stem cell research argue that an advance in stem cell research could lead to the cures for many illnesses that remain prevalent in today’s society. However, the taking of lives to save lives does not cure any illness, it condones the devaluation of life altogether. In killing an unborn baby to save the life of an adult, we are, in essence, taking from one hand to feed the other. A life is being lost, whether it is by natural causes or by homicide. Patrick McCloskey, O.F.M. of AmericanCatholic.org says, “In this case, curing ev...