Though stem cell therapy is a breakthrough in regenerative medicine, it has been fraught with scientific and ethical controversies. Most of the ethical issues around stem cell therapy have stemmed from the method of sourcing stem cells and their possibilities in research.
|
Totipotent and Pluripotent stem cells have the ability to differentiate into most types of cells. These cells are present in the embryo and allow it to develop into a fetus. Because of this unique ability, there is extensive research on how these cells can be used for future therapy and tissue regeneration.
The most researched stem cells are those derived from embryos. However, once the stem cells are removed from the blastocyst or the embryo, the embryo is unable to survive and ends up getting destroyed in the process.
These embryos may be obtained from willing donors, miscarriages or abortions and some are created in-vitro. Though the source of the embryo is not an issue, the fact that the embryo is destroyed in the name of 'research' is unacceptable to many people. Many consider it absolutely 'unethical' to create and use embryos just for their stem cells. This has created a worldwide debate with governments, human rights activists and scientists going back and forth on the argument. The positive consequence of this debate, however, is the emergence of research on alternative sources of stem cells, which are not considered 'unethical', and on utilizing stem cells from embryos without destroying them.
Adult stem cells from the bone marrow and umbilical cord are another source of stem cells, which are free from this ethical debate. These are the two types of stem cells that are currently being used for therapy worldwide. |
|
Stem cell research is often confused with cloning as both involve the use of embryonic cells. In popular perception, "cloning" is often equated with the manipulation of embryonic cells to produce an organism. But there are two main types of cloning namely, therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning.
As stem cell research was first brought to the spotlight when human stem cells were isolated from human "embryonic tissues", it further added to the controversy. But today, the fact remains that stem cell research need not always involve embryonic stem cells, as it could also involve other types of stem cells such as adult stem cells from humans or animals or stem cells from foetuses, umbilical cord or amniotic fluid. |