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Essay On Human Life

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The Definition of a Human Life In 1998 scientists shocked the world with the discovery of human embryonic stem cells. This sparked curiosity and enlightenment in the eyes of medical professionals everywhere. Nineteen years later the world is riddles with a plethora of controversy, fabrication, and fallacies in regards to the use of embryonic stem cells. Contrary to this, these “super cells” have the growing potential to put an end to many medical disputes. Firstly, to understand the stigma and information behind embryonic stem cell research, there must be a common understanding of what a stem cell is. “Stem cells are a class of undifferentiated cells that are able to differentiate into specialized cell types (The MNT Editorial Team). …show more content…

Secondly, you must know the advantages and disadvantages of embryonic stem cell usage. Since most embryos that are used in ESC research are obtained from IVF treatments, this reduces the rate of embryos that are being destroyed after treatment is over since there can only be one embryo used at a time and cannot be saved. Scientists also now have improved their knowledge in birth defects because ESCs can be turned into models for these birth defects. The wide array of possibilities these cells can achieve are impeccable, from curing cancer to being able to replace damaged tissue all over the body. However, the disadvantages of these cells are where the social stigma occurs. Starting with the possibility of rejection when placed in the body is something many are wary about. This would cause the patient to be put on anti-rejection medication for the rest of his/her life. Another disadvantage being most spiritual people believe in life at the point of conception. Even though the blastula show no physical attributes of a human being and have no chance of developing into a baby unless embedded into the uterine wall, devout Christians still see this as “murder”. Scientists have also not achieved full understanding of the capability of ESC and do not yet know how to control their constant need to divide and form new cells which could result in tumors and large masses of unwanted tissue (Occupytheory). This brings on the

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