Currently, there are two types of stem cell research being tested. Adult stem cell which are stem cells that are derived from bone marrow, muscle, liver, blood, and umbilical cord, etc… And embryonic stem cell research (ESC) which are stem cells derived from fertilized embryos less than a week old. Both stem cell research has its pros and cons.

Embryonic stem cell research:

(pros) ESC have the ability to form any adult cell.

(cons) Controversy about abortion since they are derived from fertilized embryos. There is vitro fertilization which is a process that ESC are made in the labs and the embryos never see the inside of a woman’s uterus. But the argument with this is anti-abortionist claims that life starts at conception. Therefore, the abortion issue still arises. Another con for ESC is that ESC from a donor introduced into a patient could cause transplant rejection from the immune system. There have been theories to clone stem cells to prevent the immune system rejection, but that is opening another can of worms.

Adult stem cell research:

(pros) No abortion issue. The use of the patient’s own adult stem cells would mean that the cells would not be rejected by the immune system.

(cons) Adult cells are already specialized, their potential to regenerate damaged tissue is very limited. Stem cell derived from skin cells will only become skin cell, etc.. Also, there are not many stem cells in vital organs. Meaning, if you have any lung or heart diseases, stem cell will not help you much. And to close this con, adult stem cells are difficult to grow in the lab and their potential to reproduce diminishes with age.

Technically speaking, I do feel abortion is wrong, but the reality is abortion will be here for a very long time. Science has a chance to extremely prolong life, and find cures for diseases scientist haven’t even came close to finding a cure. This will enable grand parents to see further down their generation line. Before cars or planes were invented, people lived without these concepts and was able to survive decently. Could you imagine not having a car or plane today? Do you see how advanced life is and how much better life is from having the inventions of cars and planes? Same for stem cell research. I’m pretty sure 20 to 50 years down the line after stem cell has been fully tested and used, people can not image living without it and its benefits. And I know someone out there is still yelling “abortion is wrong”. What will it take from you to agree with embryonic stem cell research? Would it take for you to have Parkinson disease to agree? Would it take for you to have all of your hair falling out from chemotherapy? Or would it take for you to be on your death bed because of heart failure to agree with ESC research? I don’t know what would it take for you to agree. You tell me!