What are the Ethical Implications?

• Cells that are unspecialized and can divide throughout life
• They can become highly specialized and take the place of cells that die

Stem cells can renew themselves and create new cells of other tissues

The issue arises out of the recent ability to use
human embryonic stem cells to grow cells...
When this happens, the human embryo is destroyed.

Pro-life supporters feel this is equivalent to murder
“[Stem Cell Research] supports the taking of innocent human life of the hope of finding medical benefits for others.” (President Bush
2006)
“...using federal funding to perform stem cell research on human embryos is wrong and immoral.”
– Mike Bishop (WRAL
2009)

• In the nature, many eggs are fertilized but not implanted
• During in vitro fertilization more embryos are created than are needed
• Scientists and organizations representing those with Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries and others feel the benefits outweigh the negatives

• 1998 Researchers derive stem cells from human embryos
• 2000 NIH* Guidelines issued for funding
• 2001 NIH funding put on hold
• 2004/2005 NJ/CA authorize research funding
• Mid-2001 over 110,000 frozen, stored surplus embryos
• 8/23/10 Federal Judge blocked NIH’s research funding
• 9/22/10 First clinical trial using human embryonic stem cells start
• 9/23/10 Injunction against funding lifted temporarily
*National Institute of Health

• Clinical trials underway for restoration of spinal cord functions
• Paperwork filed to test retinal cells to treat patients with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy
Clinicaltrial.gov lists many more benefits, including knee replacements and severe brain conditions.

• If research is to continue, funding that research is imperative
• Private research or research in other countries will occur and we will slowly follow
• Legislation will have to change the policy

“AAAS Policy Brief: Stem Cell Research.” American Association for the Advancement of Science. 1 Nov
2010. <http://www.aaas.org>.
"Bush ‘out of touch’ on Stem Cells." BBC News: 07 20 2006. Web. 31 Oct 2010.
<http://www.news.bbc.co.uk>.
“Definition of Stem Cell.” Web. 31 Oct 2010. <http://www.medterms.com>.
“Illustration by Edmond Alexander.” Heart Healthy Online. Web. 1 Nov 2010. http://www.hearthealthyonline.com.
Stem Cell Basics: Introduction . In Stem Cell Information. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009 [cited Monday, November 01,
2010] Available at http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics1
“Stem Cell Research: All Viewpoints.” Religious Tolerance, Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance.
Web. 1 Nov 2010. <http:// www.religioustolerance.org>.
“Studies including stem cell trials.” Web. 1 Nov 2010. <http://www.clinicaltrials.gov>.
“Supporters Welcome Federal Back of Stem Cell Research.” WRAL: 03 09 2009. 31 Oct 2010.
<http://www.wral.com>.