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Home » Consumer Information » Spinal Cord Injuries

Stem Cell Research

Stem cell research is a fairly new field that uses simple human cells and transforms them into practically any one of the 220 cell variations found in the body such as blood and brain cells. Many scientific researchers share the belief that stem cell research will lead to the development of treatment and remedies for illnesses previously thought to be incurable (e.g., spinal cord injury, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's). Although stem cell research sounds like it may be revolutionary, there is much ethical debate surrounding it due to the possibility of human cloning and the destruction of human embryos.

Stem cells are largely found in embryos or adult tissue. Embryonic stem cells can be manufactured specifically for stem cell research, or they could have been produced for other reasons like in-vitro fertilization (IVF). During the process of IVF, only the most feasible embryos are selected from a pool of them. The excess embryos are either donated, stored for later use, or disposed of, with the latter being the most popular choice.

Adult stem cells can be cultivated from adult tissue with little to no harm to the donor. However, embryonic stem cells are known for being easier to remove than adult stem cells, and they are also more useful. Due to potential misuse and the debate whether an embryo should be considered a living human, it is not surprising that stem cell research is a hot topic to argue about.

Ethics

Human cloning has sparked debate since stem cell research became public knowledge. Advocates of cloning believe that creating a "twin" could save your life in the event you suffer an injury or contract a disease where tissue or other organs are needed for a transplant. From the adversaries' perspective, man should not have the power to determine destiny by manufacturing, manipulating, and erasing human life.

Various religions and human rights groups claim that life begins when it is conceived and that any use of humans for in the interest of research is immoral. However, proponents of embryonic cell use believe that because a large number of these cells are discarded on a daily basis anyway, they might as well be put to use and help improve mankind.

Legislation

Laws have been passed in the US making it legal to participate in stem cell research, even if the sole purpose is for human cloning. Private laboratories are at liberty to decide if they would like to utilize existing leftover embryos or grow them from scratch for research purposes. The most recent heated dialogue regarding stem cell research has been an ongoing struggle since 2001. This was when President Bush gave the go-ahead for government-funded stem cell research for more than 60 types of stem cells. The financial assistance was made available for a limited number of stem cells because life and death is not an issue with the designated lines, meaning they are capable of regenerating autonomously and infinitely.

Since embryonic stem cell research is not included in this group of 60, many labs have been forced to separate their stem cell research from facilities conducting other kinds of studies in order to remain eligible for federal funding; the government refuses to offer money to labs if embryonic stem cell and non-stem cell research is being conducted in the same building--even if the lab swears the funding is going to be contributed to non-stem cell research. This has come at a great expense to research companies.

Foreign countries allow stem cell research to a certain extent. Nations like Japan, Sweden, and the UK have even authorized stem cell research dedicated to human cloning. Australia, Canada, and France permit adult and leftover embryonic stem cell research, but human cloning is not allowed. Austria, Ireland, and Poland have stricter laws than we do.