Cam Slowinski

English 12
Mrs. Warneke
10-8-15
Stem Cell Research
Did you know that scientists have found a potential cure for cancer and many other
serious diseases? This discovery has raised many questions and concerns that are currently up
for debate. The method is called stem cell treatment. Stem cells are cells that are not yet
specialized to a certain function yet. Instead, they adapt to whatever environment they are put in,
and function accordingly. This rapid adaptability is the trait that makes stem cells so unique. It
gives them the ability to regrow any organ, tissue, or neuron in the body. Unfortunately, the
methods of obtaining these cells are somewhat controversial. To learn more about saving a
human life, we must destroy some as well. This major drawback is the cause of the slow
progression in stem cell research. Scientists should research adult stem cells more to learn their
capabilities, use leftover embryos from in vitro fertilization, and educate the public on the uses of
stem cells.
Stem cell research contains ethical problems that contradict the rules of the scientific
community. The primary method of extracting stem cells involves destroying an embryo. This
would mean ending a human life to potentially save others, as the treatment is only effective
immediately after the embryo is no longer living. Other alternatives exist for conducting stem
cell research, but appear to be less promising. There are stem cells living in adults, but they have
not shown to be as effective. This is because stem cells are much more fertilized when they are
embryonic, and have not yet matured. (Pearson) Well fertilized stem cells have the ability to

replace any body tissue if put in the right environment to do so. Older, more matured stem cells
seem to have more of a difficulty reproducing themselves and making perfect copies. (Griswold)
Adult stem cells should be further researched to give a better understanding on how
useful they are. It is not yet proven that adult stem cells are less effective than embryonic cells
however, it has appeared that the effects are less visible. This same predicament has been the
case for many instances in the past. The key to using these older, more matured stem cells may
still be waiting to be unlocked. Adult stem cells can be taken the spinal cord as well as bone
marrow. (Issitt) More fertilized stem cells are present in umbilical cord blood, but these cells
have not yet been explored as in depth as the others, another necessity in this exploration. As far
as reproduction goes, adult stem cells copy themselves almost as fast and as well as embryonic
cells do. (Pearson)
Leftover embryos from in vitro fertilization are most commonly discarded, and could
instead be used for research. During the process of in vitro fertilization, more than one embryo
are often constructed, for the purpose of making another if one goes wrong. It is common
practice to discard the other embryos after one has been successful. (Clouthier) Since these are
destroyed anyway, they should be used for scientific research to benefit others. After all,
embryonic stem cells are much more fertile. Learning more about these cells could help
scientists understand why certain genes turn off and on, which can solve many more mysteries
that have almost nothing to do with medicine. However, some people still agree on the fact that
this is immoral, and other research methods should be explored. Even though these embryos are
technically considered waste, the process still involves destroying something that has the
potential to be a living, breathing person.

Educating the public on stem cell research could sway many peoples opinions on it. The
majority of the public have no knowledge on stem cells whatsoever. When they hear of the
methods used to obtain them, most are immediately opposed to the idea. It is not commonly
known that in vitro fertilization involves creating many backups, and that these backups are
most commonly discarded (Clouthier). While trying to educate the public, some people may not
listen, or they may change their opinions to oppose the research. Whatever the outcome, at least
the public will be able to make their decisions based on their own opinions and knowledge,
instead of just rumors that might be floating around.the public should know more about this
treatment.
When a serious controversy is released to the public, it may attract many people to take
interest. This could either work for the cause in favor or against the cause, depending on
peoples take on the situation. If people focus on the negatives of the situation, education may
hurt the cause, all the while it is still necessary for people to know what is going on. For people
that are supporting the cause, many more doctors and researchers could commit to the
exploration. In the end, this would result in more in-depth research, and faster results. Both
would majorly benefit the cause.
I believe that we should continue our research on adult stem cells. We have found out so
much in the last thirty years, whos to say that there isnt still much to learn about these cells. I
think that adult stem cells could be just as useful as embryonic, but we just havent figured out
how to apply their uses yet. Educating the public would tie into my solution as well, because
more awareness would result in more doctors and researchers. These additional professionals

could be the key to unlocking the secrets behind matured stem cells. All ideas considered, I
believe that adult stem cells should be further investigated before any other action is taken.

Works Cited
Clouthier, Kris. "Counterpoint: The Promises And Pitfalls Of Stem Cell Research." Points Of
View: Stem Cell Research (2015): 6. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 1 Oct. 2015.
Farrell, Courtney, and Rosalyn Carson-Dewitt. "Stem Cell Research: An Overview." Points Of
View: Stem Cell Research (2015): 1.Points of View Reference Center. Web. 1 Oct.
2015.
Issitt, Micah, and Matt Donnelly. "Counterpoint: Stem Cell Research Is Dangerous, Unethical,
And Ineffective." Points Of View: Stem Cell Research (2015): 3. Points of View
Reference Center. Web. 1 Oct. 2015.
Lee, M., and Ann Griswold. "Point: Stem Cell Research Provides Cures For Diseases." Points Of
View`: Stem Cell Research (2015): 2. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 1 Oct. 2015.
Pearson, John. "Point: The Benefits Of Cloning Research." Points Of View: Cloning (2015): 5.
Points of View Reference Center. Web. 1 Oct. 2015.
"Stem Cell Research: Guide To Critical Analysis." Points Of View: Stem Cell Research (2015): 4.
Points of View Reference Center. Web. 1 Oct. 2015.