Stem cells are unique and rare cells that are not assigned to carry out a specific function and are defined by two properties: self-renewal and differentiation. Self-renewal is an ability that allows the cell to divide and make more cells. Differentiation is the ability to separate and make specialized cells. Many different types of stem cells have been discovered, but only the embryonic stem cell seems to work easily and effectively. Embryonic stem cells are found in the inner cell mass contained in an embryo. To extract the inner cell mass scientists must "kill" the embryo. This brings up a few troubling questions such as: At what point does life begin? And does an embryo have the same rights as a human? Different religious groups and countries have outlined their own specific rules. New uses and sources of embryonic stem cells are being created and utilized for research. By destroying one egg, which may be a possible single life, stem cells may be able to prevent and alleviate suffering for many. Embryonic stem cells show promise and hope in many fields of medicine, but their use in research has been passionately debated.
There are many types of stem cells: fetal stem cells, adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, etc. Other than adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells, all of the other stem cell types present weak and improbable cases (Eurostemcell, 2013). Embryonic stem cells provide very plausible future treatments and other medical advancements but have some ethical controversies. Adult stem cells are newly discovered and provide hope for many medical benefits but are very rare and require much chemical stimulation to work. At this point in time, embryonic stem cell research, in spite of the ethical disagreements, seems to have more benefits than the new and growing adult stem cell research. Those who do not support embryonic stem cell research argue that adult stem cells present a better area for research and should be focused on (Donald Bruce, 2013).
