Stem Cell Research: Playing God or Life-Saving Advances?

For this assignment, a video called “A Stem Cell Story” was selected for viewing and will be used for the basis to answer a set of questions regarding stem cell research. The following paper will contain questions and responses. The responses will show that stem cell research could hold the key to create miracles in some people’s lives.

1) Do you equate this issue as similar to the abortion debate issue, which many people do, why or why not?

The two issues are not the same. Abortions end life and stem cell research strive to understand the life process at the core.

2) If you had a loved one or even yourself who had a disease or illness which could be alleviated by stem cell procedures, what would your reaction be?

I would be all for it, as long as the efficacy and risks are known.

3) Is this another example of human beings playing God? Should we just let nature take its course regarding illness and disease?

I don’t think it’s ethical to let sick people suffer from their illnesses. Since the beginning of time, humans have wondered about the source and purpose of life, from philosophers to scientists. I don’t think scientists are trying to play God with stem cell research. I think they are trying to understand life.

4) Consider the future if stem cells were to be used for illnesses and disease. Would you want to live to say, 100, if 100 were the new 60 or 70? How long would it be feasible for human beings to live?

I have a friend whose great uncle lived to 92 years old. He still wasn’t ready to go at 92 and was still working on what he loved to do. I would like to have that sort of attitude and try and live as long as I possibly can. I’m not really sure at this time how long people can live, even if stem cell research fulfills its potential. There isn’t enough information yet to draw certain conclusions about the future.

5) Comment upon the video regarding stem cells. Did anything surprise you?

I was surprised, given the controversy and banning of the research, that we have already made a lot of progress as evidenced by some genetic case studies. It’s a shame that stem cells are not widely available to help regenerate the pancreas for people with diabetes. I thought the video was very interesting and it increased my knowledge about stem cell research. I had heard and read a lot about it, but a lot of the articles were biased so more people would want to read the article because of sensationalism rather than informative content, and they really didn’t teach me as much as the video did. I’m glad I know more about it now.

Work Cited

EuroStemCell. "A Stem Cell Story." Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 14 June.2011. Web. 26 Oct. 2013..