The Ethics of Using Stem-cell Research - Free Essay Example

The ethics of using stem-cell research has become a great issue in the past few years. The advocates for both sides of the issue have many reasons to conduct the research or not to. This issue arose after the successful cloning of Dolly the sheep in 1996. After this, the question Can we use stem-cell research to clone human beings? shifted to Do we want to clone human beings? Many people are scared of the idea that we can just copy ourselves; its not natural. The debate and discussions have been very emotional. Stem-cell research has become a hot topic as technology advances, but because of the risk factors, the way society will react to the research, and the fact that scientists are toying with the laws of nature, it should be banned worldwide. History of issue The stem-cell controversy deals with research ethics that include the development, use and destruction of human embryos. This controversy is more often focused on embryonic stem cells. Its not just human embryos that are involved in stem cell research. For example, different stem-cell research like adult, induced pluripotent, and amniotic do not involve the use, creation, or destruction of human embryos. Other sources of less controversial stem cell research includes the use of umbilical cord, breast milk and bone marrow cells. Stem-cell research was first conducted on Dolly the sheep. The first mammal in history was cloned by Ian Wilmut and his colleagues from the Roslin Institute in Scotland (1996). The successful clone was a sheep, named Dolly. But what really happened during the experiment? The experiment began with 277 fused eggs, 29 of which were fertilized. The fertilized embryos were then reallocated to 13 sheep, but only one of them became pregnant with Dolly on 5 July 1996. There were several dead fetuses from the remaining twelve sheep(Trefil and Hazen 66). Later it was concluded that the methods and the technology used were not very efficient. Dolly eventually died of an abnormal disease in sheep of her age in early 2003. Should we continue with stem-cell research to clone just so more sex cells will be sacrificed? Thomas E. Lovejoy quoted, Genetic engineers do not make new genes, they simply rearrange existing ones (Lee, Turnpenny. Is Cloning Mad, Bad and Dangerous?). Genetic diversity can be l ost due to these gene rearrangements. A species may become extinct due to inbreeding within the population. Stem cell research should therefore not be carried out for cloning. Overview of sources The ability to create human embryonic stem cell lines from the inner cell mass of blastocysts has led to considerable debate on how to regulate these scientific developments. Many scholars and commentators have expressed their opinions on the subject of stem-cell research. The biggest concern is that this research involves playing God. Also, gene diversity may be lost because of gene alterations of an organisms genotypic composition. Aside from all the negative impacts of stem-cell research, the main beneficial use of it would be used for infertility which is caused by genetic defects. Summary of source 1 Peter Dabrock, a professor at University of Marburg, argues against stem-cell research in an article called Playing God? Synthetic biology as a theological and ethical challenge. This article was published on October 10, 2009. Dabrock provides a convincing reason in support of his position. Dabrock, and other critics, view the innovation of stem-cell research as morally suspect because it is viewed as playing god. To conduct this particular research, embryos must be destroyed when stem cells are harvested, and the outcome is equal to the taking of life, which many believe that only God has the power to do. Dabrock states: The heart of many religions, including biblical tradition, is touched when science questions the privilege of the deity or God to decide on the transitions between life and the inanimate. Hence, it seems for many religious people plausible to identify synthetic biology with a new and formerly unknown overstepping of this boundary. (Dabrock) Dabrock explains the situation very well. This argument reflects the view that divine creation is perfect and that it is inappropriate to alter it in any way. Evaluation of source 1 Besides cloning organs and tissues, the subject of taking a human life is what generates the most controversy of all. People believe that it is not ethical to kill an innocent life for the sake of scientific research. These beliefs are based on the assumption that God created human beings in his own image and that God gives them their souls. Therefore, it is not our place to create nor destroy a human being; it is Gods. We would be playing God, in their opinion, and that should not happen. This is the main argument that sets the boundary for the majority of people who are against cloning. Summary of source 2 According to Ehud Isacoff, gene diversity may be lost because of gene alterations of an organisms genotypic composition. Genetic diversity prevents a single pathogen from wiping out the whole population. Gene mutations occur naturally. Thomas Hunt Morgan discovered and described the first gene mutation observed in a fruit fly in 1910 (Isacoff, Ehud Y. Isolation and characterization of the Xanthine dehydrogenase gene of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata.). When gene diversity is lost, people suffer from diseases (genetic diseases in most cases) due to their genetic composition. Nettie Stevens and Edmund Wilson (1905) described the XX genes in females and the XY genes of males (Reich. Cloning crisis goes from bad to worse: amid claim and counterclaim, the apparent triumphs of Koreas stem-cell stars are rapidly unraveling.). When cloned by using stem-cell technology, an organism has identical genes and is high risk to acquire recessive diseases from both parents. There a re 15,500 genetic diseases according to a 1994 Genetic diseases stats sheet release (Ponciano. Hierarchical Models in Ecology: Confidence Intervals, Hypothesis Testing, and Model Selection Using Data Cloning.Ecology 90.2 (2009): 356â€Å"362). Due to the same genotypes in cloned people, breeding is very likely to occur. Evaluation of source 2 Ehud Isacoff presents a valid argument against stem-cell research. A species may be extinct due to inbreeding within the population, i.e. only if cloning occurs in the population. Inbreeding, also defined by the University of Utah, involves the mating of genetically related individuals (Fritz 47). Since clones have identical genes, inbreeding will occur. But how is extinction possible? While some propose that inbreeding is beneficial to a population, statistics and studies have shown that they there are more than 7.3 million infertility cases in the United States of America (Lee. Is Cloning Mad, Bad and Dangerous? EMBO reports 8.1 (2007): 2. ProQuest). If stem-cell research is practiced, there would be more genetically related individuals to mate, but who would reproduce if the infertility rates are maximized? Humans with animals? I didnt think so. Summary of source 3 Besides all the negative impacts that stem-cell research would have on society, there are many beneficial uses of it as well. One of these is a treatment for infertility. Infertility is caused by genetic defects, reproductive organ injuries, congenital defects, toxic substances and radiation exposure. Many assisted-reproduction technologies have been developed. This includes surrogate mothers for women without a functional uterus, intracytoplasmic sperm injection for males who cant produce viable sperm, and IVF for women with blocked or missing fallopian tubes. However, these treatments have proven to be highly inefficient and they can not help people whose reproductive organs have not developed or have been removed. Twelve million Americans are infertile at childbearing age (Reich. Cloning crisis goes from bad to worse: amid claim and counterclaim, the apparent triumphs of Koreas stem-cell stars are rapidly unraveling. New Scientist 188.2531-2532 (2005): 4.Expanded Academic ASAP). They will use painful and costly treatments for years to have little chance of success. Another extremely useful application of the stem-cell technology would be the cloning of organs or tissues for the body. With that, we could not only cure suffering and death, we could extend our lives for decades. It would not be uncommon for people to live to one hundred and fifty years old, or older. If a kidney fails in old age, take the few good cells left and clone a brand new kidney. Clone a new heart when someone suffers a massive heart attack. After more development of stem-cell research, there is even the possibility to repair brain and spinal column damage. If you really think about it, these life-prolonging procedures would probably be reserved for the rich and famous, and not on everyone, as discussed before. Numerous of remarkable benefits can come from stem-cell technology, but not all of it is guaranteed. My mother always told me, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Evaluation of source 3 Reich raises some good points on how stem-cell research could be used to benefit the health of suffering individuals. The excitement of stem cell research primarily results from the medical advantages in regenerative medicine and therapeutic cloning. Stem cells provide huge potential for finding treatments and cures to a vast array of medical issues like infertility, cancer, Alzheimers, Parkinsons disease and much more. The writers position and reasoning As a biology student, I attempted to approach both sides with an unbiased opinion. I personally think that the world of genetics is fascinating, but after learning of what is now possible through technology, I changed my mind about pursuing a career in the field. I see stem-cell research as a wonderful advancement in technology and knowledge. I do not think it should be used to reproduce humans though. I do not believe that we should try to develop other ways beside the natural way to bring life into this world. Cloning tissues and organs falls under a different category then cloning human beings. I believe that cloning tissues and organs would be beneficial for science and medicine. The research involves fetal tissue, however, which is an entirely different ethical debate. So, with my present understanding I would allow stem-cell research for cloning tissues and organs only. Conclusion Today, the topic of stem-cell research generates more argument then it has ever created before. The controversy over using stem-cell research for cloning is based, in part, on the fact that there are extreme opposing viewpoints on the subject. Also a major factor in the debate over stem-cell research is a fear of new technology. Considering the fact that scientists are uncertain about their own methods and technology, the lost loss of genetic diversity and the possibility of extinction of a population, should stem-cell research even be practiced? Positively, in 2001 Bill Clinton banned cloning. However, research was allowed to be continued so that scientists, perhaps, will be able to promise and prove that their methods and technology are safe to be practiced (Fritz 68). For now, they should not practice stem-cell research because they will put the entire population of planet earth, both humans and animals, in jeopardy. A new evolutionary period would have to restart. We would enter an entirely new evolutionary period that could be more catastrophic than progressive. Is that something youre willing to risk? Think of cloning as plagiarism copying and pasting, its wrong, hence the title!

Why Identity Politics Creates Barriers For Marginalized...

Jacqueline Campos Professor Jeffries 7 October 2016 AMST 101 Many, Out of One: Why Identity Politics Creates Barriers for Marginalized Groups Identity politics is an undeniable twenty first century paradigm among minority groups, sparking discourse across political and social spheres. According to philosopher Cressida Heyes, identity politics is the range of political activity founded in the shared experiences of injustice of members of certain social groups. Members of this group assert their distinctiveness, challenging dominant oppressive characterizations of a white hierarchy in order to gain political support. This paper will argue that identity politics is a detrimental ideology to the American political sphere. While identity politics seemingly allows for traditionally marginalized groups to voice their concerns, it actually serves to further limit minority groups by ignoring intersectionality and promoting an â€Å"us against them† mentality. The motto of the United States has always been E. Plurbis Unum, or â€Å"out of many, one,† describing America as a melding of many cultures and peoples into one identity--American. Recent times, however, show social and political progression, as evidenced by identity politics, to â€Å"many, out of one.† The origin of the phrase, â€Å"identity politics† can be traced back as the effects of two social movements in the 1960’s: the Civil Rights Movement and the Women’s Movement. As Professor of Sociology, Joan Mandle argued, women activistsShow MoreRelatedThe Effectiveness Of Australia s Multicultural Policy1498 Words   |  6 PagesAbstract This paper will assess the effectiveness of Australia’s multicultural policy through an analysis of its traits and its capacity to create a socially cohesive society. It recognizes that multiculturalism plays an important role in national identity. In addition to this, it recognises that there are a number of factors which can impact on the level of social cohesion including political discourse and global events. This essay will claim that the new arrived migrants and refugees from MiddleRead MoreAn Anti Racist, Feminist, Social Justice And Diversity Of Multiculturalism2316 Words   |  10 Pagesbroadcast the issues and the problems to the world. For example in 2009 a protest about the war in Sri Lanka lead to many people of the minority groups who are being marginalized and who are fighting the government, these groups protested in Canada by blocking a major highway in downtown Toronto, to bring about the awareness of racial oppression groups need to make the news and it put out in the world about the problems that the world must look into. For social justice relevance to society is toRead More The Formation of Muslim Identity in Europe Essay4285 Words   |  18 Pagesdefining Muslim identity the widely held belief is that religion is the defining element. This is only partly true. Religion is only part of the picture, the normally secondary elements of class, gender and national belonging need to be examined. The issues of religion and identity formation can be explored thusly: differing concepts of religion and Islam should be considered to see how they have present particular frameworks. It is important to note that immigrants have identities other than thoseRead MoreThe Challanges Faced by White Teachers Teaching Black Students2432 Words   |  10 Pagesin college to become teachers) being white, how can we actually meet the educational needs of our students of color? Can white teachers honestly and openly examine their own cultural identit y and confront race and racism in themselves and LEARN how to teach students of color effectively? How does an ethnic group who has been historically dominant in our society change to a more modest or balanced role in order to teach effectively? These questions, and many more, have long been a part of theRead MoreAmerica Is Built On Diversity2267 Words   |  10 Pagesis a cauldron of creativity and productivity. The sociocultural, economic and psychological diversity in America’s history is fascinating. Society today has many misconceptions about what it means to belong to a particular ethnicity or race, hence why diversity seizes to exist. It is in fact not difficult to categorize oneself according to the American Psychological Association. Studied research demonstrated in the article â€Å"The study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race in American Psychology†, when askingRead MoreGender And Racial Identity Of Film2128 Words   |  9 PagesYue Zheng Prof. Aili Bresnahan PHL 324 11/8/2016 Gender and Racial Identity in Film Gender and racial identity was a form of discrimination in the world and they were interrelated that fuelling the injustice social phenomenon and problem. For example, women were a particular group and as a symbol showed the social abuses, acts of violence and biggest discrimination based on the sexual difference and racism. The difference of color, race, gender were the big biases not only to deprive of women’sRead MoreGloablization4764 Words   |  20 PagesUnfortunately, this does not embrace the diasporas of Blackness, the many shades, shapes and colors of African American women. After much struggle a few African American women slipped into the public eye. These few women who were able to break the color barrier did so only because of their likeness to the â€Å"beauty ideal† (Jackson et al. 1979, Green 1991, Ferguson 2002). These women were decedents of slaves who though tragically created, were given the label mulatto and oftentimes passed for white or a closeR ead MoreTurkey After The Fall Of The Ottoman Empire2228 Words   |  9 PagesAfter the fall of the Ottoman empire, Turkey received a new identity as Modern Turkey. With Turkey being home to over 45 different ethnic and religious groups, this makes it a diverse and unique nation. This goes to show how unity is important in a diverse country like Turkey for its future success. All of these contribute to the cultural makeup of this country. Turkey’s current population is 78 million. According to a report, 70% of Turkey’s youth population will reach working age by the year 2023Read MoreImpact of Culture on the Spread of Hiv/Aids in Kenya5438 Words   |  22 Pagesways of life and values. In short, culture plays a crucial role in a groups’ quest for identity and is therefore at the centre of the socio-cultural development of a people, region or even county in terms of identity and politics-it serves as a code of life that must be followed under any circumstances e ven with an HIV/AIDS epidemic. These observations help illuminate responses to our central thesis: that cultural barriers and the ensuing gender bias have not only perpetuated the spread ofRead MoreIslamic Youth : The Muslim Youth2230 Words   |  9 PagesYusuf Ozen Muslim Youth Cultures The Muslim Youth in Turkey Final Paper After the fall of the Ottoman empire, Turkey received an identity as Modern Turkey from Kemal Ataturk. With Turkey being home to over 45 different ethnic and religious groups, this makes it a diverse and unique nation, with demographics varying depending on the region This goes to show how unity is important in a diverse country like Turkey for its future success. All of these contribute to the cultural makeup of this country

Decency free essay sample

The concept of decency in the park/ decency (Ordenlikheid) respectability Decency and respectability otherwise known as ordenlikhied is a key cornerstone of any society. Each and every community has its own set of values which members are supposed to follow. This essay is going to discuss decency paying particular attention to young girls who fall pregnant in their teens in South Africa and similar scenario in Zimbabwe of teenage mothers. It is also going to look at the policies used in the 1930s in South African government in order to create a good white person. Nina Botha discusses the experiences of young Afrikaner girls who fall pregnant in their teens. Her particular focus is on a group of girls who are taken to a reform school whereby they are taught who to be good and respectable mothers. One of the things highlighted by Nina Botha is the pressures which young girls face in the pre and post conception period. We will write a custom essay sample on Decency or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page She points out that one of the major problems which young Afrikaner and non Afrikaner girls face is the issue of poverty Nina Botha (2009). According to Botha in the majority of the young teenage pregnancies the people who re mostly involved come from lower middle class group. These people are poverty stricken and come from places were the family unit is most of the time instable. This often results in the cases of teenage pregnancies because the support structures and the proper care will not be available. Therefore the background of the young girl can be considered as one the pressures which face young women. Furthermore, looking at the pre conception period, young women also face the problem of dealing with their parents. As a result of the pregnancy there is ivergence which occurs between the mother and the pregnant young woman. An example mention by Nina Botha is that of a girl called Mina got pregnant . The parents are often looked down by the society because they failed to raise their child properly. This is when the concept of decency comes in (ordelikhied), because the parents will no longer be respectable members of the community because they are seen as not normal in their inability to raise their child in way which is socially acceptable. Thus looking at the pre conception period the friction created by the regnant teenager and the parents standing in the community can be seen as one of the pressures young women face. One of the pressures young women faced was the issue of the reform school. According to Nina Botha the school ensures that girls that leave the school are balanced and socially acceptable mothers. This process of turning the pregnant women into good mothers is done through the intervention of social workers, the church (Dutch reformed Church) and counselors. However the process is not simple. Some young women are difficult to change their way of life.