Insights in Stem Cells Open Access

Cells and Ethical Issues of Stem Cell Research

Drowpad Rajput^* Department of Science, University of California, USA
^*Correspondence: Drowpad Rajput, Department of Science, University of California, USA, Email:

Received: 30-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. IPISC-23-18143; Editor assigned: 01-Sep-2023, Pre QC No. IPISC-23-18143 (PQ); Reviewed: 15-Sep-2023, QC No. IPISC-23-18143; Revised: 20-Sep-2023, Manuscript No. IPISC-23-18143 (R); Published: 27-Sep-2023, DOI: 10.21767/IPISC-9.3.26

Introduction

Stem cell research has captured the imagination of scientists, medical professionals, and the general public with its potential to revolutionize medicine and address a myriad of health conditions. However, the ethical dimensions of stem cell research have been a source of intense debate and scrutiny. This essay delves into the ethical considerations surrounding stem cells, exploring their various forms, applications, and the profound moral questions they raise. Stem cells are unspecialized cells with the remarkable ability to develop into various cell types in the human body. They are categorized into different types based on their origin and differentiation potential: Derived from early-stage embryos, meaning they can differentiate into virtually any cell type. Their pluripotency makes them highly versatile for scientific research and medical applications. Found in various tissues throughout the body, adult stem cells are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into a limited range of cell types specific to their tissue of origin. Common examples include hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow and neural stem cells in the brain. Adult cells that have been reprogrammed to regain pluripotency, through the introduction of specific genes or factors. Stem cell research holds the promise of addressing numerous medical conditions, but it is accompanied by ethical issues that revolve around various concerns. The most pronounced ethical quandary pertains to the use of human embryos and the moral status conferred upon them.

Description

The primary ethical issues include: A central ethical issue in stem cell research is the destruction of human embryos in the process of obtaining . The destruction of embryos raises profound questions about the start of human life and the morality of using embryos for scientific purposes. The ethical debate pivots on when an embryo should be granted the status of a person with moral rights. Religious beliefs significantly influence individuals’ perspectives on stem cell research and the moral status of the embryo. Different religious traditions offer distinct views on the ethical issues involved: Christian perspectives on stem cell research span a wide spectrum. Some Christians argue that human life begins at conception and, therefore, oppose the use of embryos for research. Others maintain that there is a moral distinction between a fertilized egg and a fully developed human being, permitting the ethical use of embryos for research aimed at alleviating suffering and disease. Jewish views on stem cell research are also diverse. While some scholars believe that the embryo possesses moral significance from the moment of conception, others interpret Jewish law in a way that allows the use of embryos for research if it serves a greater good. Islamic scholars have different interpretations of when life begins, which influences their stance on embryonic stem cell research.

Conclusion

Some Islamic scholars permit the use of embryos for research, while others consider it morally unacceptable. While the most significant ethical issues in stem cell research revolve around embryonic stem cells, several other ethical considerations warrant attention. Stem cells, particularly, are associated with the controversial issue of reproductive cloning. The potential for creating genetically identical organisms has raised ethical concerns and led to bans on reproductive cloning in many countries. A significant ethical concern in stem cell research is the risk of tumor formation when stem cells, particularly are transplanted into patients.