Group 1 - Controversies of Stem Cell Research

stem cell
research
introduction
by Kyle Cui, Jaejin Eum, and Richard Young
benefits
There is still major controversy on the use of stem cells. With the advancement of medical technology in the status quo, we clearly see the benefits. It can stop numerous diseases that currently have no cures. However, many people believe that using stem cells is an ethical issue because obtaining embryonic stem cells requires killing the embryo in the process, which some people consider homicide.
detrimental impacts
Stargardt's macular dystrophy
Age-related macular degeneration
Affects the greater population
facts

Abrams, Lindsay. "2013: Year of the Stem Cell." The
Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 28 Dec. 2012. Web. Feb. 2014.
Bevington, Linda K. "An Overview of Stem Cell
Research." The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity. N.p., Apr. 2005. Web. Feb. 2014.
"The Case For Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An
Interview with Jonathan Moreno." Interview. Pewforum.org. N.p., 17 July 2008. Web. Feb. 2014.
De Wert, Guido, and Christine Mummery. "Human
Embryonic Stem Cells: Research, Ethics and Policy." Oxford Journals 18.4 (2003): 672-82. Oxford Journals. 2003. Web. 04 Mar. 2014.
Doherty, Kate. "Regulation of Stem Cell Research in
France." Eurostemcell.org. EuroStemCell, 12 Jan. 2011. Web. Feb. 2014.
"Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Ethical Dilemma."
EuroStemCell. N.p., 23 Mar. 2011. Web. 02 Mar. 2014.
"Meet Cedric Blanpain: Stem Cell Scientist Working on
Skin Cancers." Interview by Emma Kemp. EuroStemCell. N.p., 24 Oct. 2010. Web. Mar. 2014.
"Myths and Misconceptions About Stem Cell
Research." California's Stem Cell Agency. California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Jan. 2011. Web. Feb. 2014.
Philips, Barnaby. "France Allows Embryonic Stem Cell
Research." Aljazeera. N.p., 16 July 2013. Web. Jan. 2014.
Schwartz, Stephen D., Prof. "Embryonic Stem Cell
Trials for Macular Degeneration: A Preliminary Report." The Lancet 379.9817 (2012): 713-20. The Lancet. 24 Jan. 2012. Web. 03 Mar. 2014.
Ethically wrong
Causes a mindset where scientists believe they are able to clone humans
Destroys the value to life
Humans "play God"
the controversies of
Since 2013, France has been allowed to research stem cells under four conditions
Must be scientifically relevant
Must be likely to allow scientific advances
Research cannot be approved unless the cells are derived from embryos
Must respect French ethical principles
addressing the audience
works cited
audience: using stem cells is ethically bad
utilitarianism
risk of the life of one for many others
diseases: especially ones we don't have cures for with conventional medicine
stem cell solvency
credibility of
argument
French research and experimentation
UCLA research and experimentation
John Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka, 2012 Nobel Prize winners
Professor Steven D Schwartz MD, Irina Klimanskaya PhD, Dr Robert Lanza MD, Roger GAY PhD, Jean-Pierre Hubschman MD, Gad Heilwell MD, Valentina Franco-Cardenas MD, Carolyn K Pan MD, Rosaleen M Ostrick MPH, Edmund Mickunas MD.
anticipating the
counterargument
pictures
- ethical issue: allowed to take life away from embryos?
- are embryos considered people?
- humanitarian issue
- utilitarianism: greatest good for greatest number of people
- adult stem cells as alternatives
this is an embryo
call to action
process of differentiating cells
from a single stem cell
Beneficial
Save lives
Stop new diseases
Prevents diseases
Stargardt’s macular dystrophy and dry age-related macular degeneration solved
Blindness can be prevented
the
frankenstein
connection
videos

"I saw how the fine form of man was degraded and wasted; I beheld the corruption of death succeed to the blooming cheek of life... as exemplified in the change from life to death, and death to life..." (pp. 30-31)
thesis
Although it does indeed pose risks of failures and ethical challenges, the benefits of advancing stem cell research, including treating chronic conditions and previously incurable and crippling diseases, far outweigh the detrimental effects.