A topic of controversy that is being debated throughout families across America as well as in the legislature is the scientific discovery and usage of embryonic stem cell research. Human embryos provide stem cells, which can potentially cure numerous chronic diseases. Stem cell research affects both the embryos involved and the victims of disease who are strongly in need of stem cells. However, many believe that taking stem cells from human embryos is taking the life of another human being. Research on embryos in vitro fertilization clinics has already been approved and some argue for allowing embryos to be taken that are not yet in these in vitro clinics, since this will provide for a greater number of stem cells to be obtained for research. However, I am not addressing this issue or the problems regarding limited research and restricted funding, rather I am focusing on informing the opposition in hopes they may now view this issue in a different light. A vast majority of America still believes that this research is unethical and morally incorrect due to preconceived-often incorrect- notions about stem cell research. This is what I am attempting to change! Embryonic stem cell research should be accepted and understood to the full extent by a greater number of people because it has the potential to cure several chronic illnesses, specifically Juvenile Diabetes. .
Juvenile Diabetes is classified as a disorder "in which the body has trouble regulating its blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels" (Type 1 Diabetes- What is Diabetes?). Juvenile Diabetes is the more severe type, because the body relies solely on the help of insulin to monitor the blood glucose levels. The immune system is weak in individuals with Type 1 Diabetes and cannot effectively protect the body from viruses or bacteria that a normal system would be able to protect. In addition, the immune system attacks beta cells in the pancreas, which is an issue because these cells produce insulin, the hormone that helps the body move glucose throughout the body to use it for energy.