Scientists have been disputing whether or not governmental funds should be assigned for Stem Cell Research, which goes against the Catholic Church's teaching. Some people see this practice as revolutionary practice that may help our future generations in years to come, while others see it as an immoral and unethical practice.
About 30 hours after a woman's egg is fertilized, it begins to divide. There are 4 types of cells that are created after this division process; Totipotent, Blastocyst, Trophoblast, and Pluripotent make up the cells. What scientists see as a beneficial resource are the Pluripotent cells because when isolated, these cells unlimitedly divide, making them an abundant resource. Scientists say that if they can learn how to teach these cells to be part of certain tissues, they could be used for the treatment of disease or one day even regenerate organs for transplants. Also, scientists say that they may be used to test medical drugs, all for the benefit of humanity. .
Why does the Catholic Church view this as immoral if they can be used for the good of humanity? These cells are derived from human embryos, aborted fetuses, and even embryos of genetic clones, if possible. What's wrong with taking these cell from these locations. In human embryos, they sometimes discard the unused ones, starting an issue of abortion. In aborted fetuses, there is not really an explanation. Scientists are taking cells from a dead baby. Cloning is just seen as an immoral practice itself, so to take cells from a cloned embryo is no better.
So why can't we just take cells from adults, and avoid all the fuss about this topic? Adult stem cells are seen as less versatile as embryonic ones. This means that because adult cells have been used and working for many years, we cannot change what happens in the human body. As for an embryo, they are still developing, allowing scientists to alter them in any way, shape, or form.
