Roshan Vora
Wayne Valley High School
Utah
Embryonic Stem Cell Research
It is our stance in Utah that life is a valuable resource. It should not be taken
advantage of or neglected. This includes the voluntary neglect that comes from not using
current technology and resources to preserve life. When debates begin over how to
improve the quality of life for all Americans, the topic of greatest promise is typically
genetics.
Genetic engineering was first thought of as simply theoretical. That it would
never be possible in our lifetimes or those of our children’s. However, today is it an
extreme possibility. Because of its potential for a cure it is vital that our Congress fund
such legislation that supports active research in the field.
Embryonic Stem Cells are thought of as a blank slate. From there, any is possible
to create. If given the proper stimulus, the embryonic stem cell can form into anything
from a neuron to a cell lining the stomach to a cell that coats under our skin. Embryonic
stem cells show more promise, also because of their initial stages, or rather the fact that it
is the first cell to develop.
Being that it is the one from which trillions are formed, the embryonic stem cell,
if exposed to the proper hormone or environmental concentration, the cell has the genetic
coding to develop into an effective cell of any configuration. That is to say that under the
proper conditions, be in a laboratory or artificially replicated natural environment, the cell
has the potential to develop into any cell that we program it to be.
The possibilities are endless for this kind of science. People paralyzed could have
spinal cells rebuild and people who have failing organs can have them replaced. There
would not have to be a need to worry about rejection of a donor cell because the cell that
is being donated would practically be from that own person’s body, the cell would hold
their DNA.
Utah would also like to bring to light the fact that many of the embryonic stem
cells that are on storage at facilities around the country are discarded every year because
of their practice. Who is to day that embryonic stem cells can be thrown out with medical
waste but not used for the progress? If these tools are discarded without regard then there
should be debate on their use to save lives and improve the lives of many, otherwise
considered living-dead patients.
It is therefore Utah’s stance that all options be considered in the dealing of
Embryonic Stem Cell Research and that the United States Congress not sideline an issue
that holds the potential to save and improve the lives of millions of Americans.