Stem cell research is a form of medical research that uses stem cells to develop cures for diseases and grow tissue for organs. Stem cell research is controversial because it sometimes, but not always, involves the use of embryos.
Stem Cells
Stem cells are able to turn into any kind of cell. Embryonic stem cells are found in embryos and umbilical cord blood. Adult stem cells, also known as non-embryonic stem cells, are found in small numbers in human organs.
Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells have the unlimited ability to turn into any kind of human cell. As a result, they are able to regenerate damage and may eventually be used to construct tissue used in making new organs. While many are concerned about the fact that embryonic stem cells come from aborted fetuses, in fact, many come from eggs fertilized outside a woman's body.
Adult Stem Cells
Adult stem cells have already been used to cure a variety of cancers, autoimmune diseases, cardiac diseases, immunodeficiencies and anemia.
Support
Stem cell research advocates believe that this type of scientific inquiry will yield important knowledge about the human body. Also, some people advocate for the use of aborted fetuses for stem cell research, saying that the fetuses will be disposed of anyway. Also, eggs that were extracted by couples for in vitro fertilization but never used have been employed in stem cell research.
Opposition
Some opponents worry that stem cell research will lead to scientists cloning humans. Others believe that the destruction of embryos is unethical.
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