Stem cells are universal cells that have the ability to divide and pass genetic information to other cell types that are designed to maintain and repair the organism. Adult stem cells are found in the adult organism and are able to divide and differentiate into other cells. Embryonic stem cells are especially powerful stem cells that are found in the fetus during early ontogenesis and are able to transform into any cell type in the organism. Despite the fact that stem cells are incredibly useful in treating various diseases, there are some ethical concerns about their usage.
Some individuals or organizations may wish to ban the use of embryonic stem cells. The reason for it is that embryos have an unidentified moral status. Since the time of forming personhood is unclear, there is a question of whether embryos’ should be protected from intervention (Poulos, 2018). I believe that transplantation of autologous stem cells leads to fewer debates as the patient from whom the stem cells are taken does not suffer in the procedure. Besides, such a patient is both a donor and a recipient (Lymphoma Action, 2019). Therefore, there is no concern about one person being healed at the cost of the other. Moreover, in this case, a patient is able to give informed consent for a procedure. Thus, autologous stem cells are likely to be put into service without introducing ethical disputes.
Nowadays, using stem cells offers the possibility of treating many injuries and diseases. For example, it helps with illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and damage to the heart or brain. It successfully assists in the healing of burn victims as well. The use of stem cells to treat burn victims includes the use of immunomodulators, which help to regenerate skin quickly after damage caused by fire (Zakrzewski et al., 2019). Stem cells can also be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, replace deficient neurons, and treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
In conclusion, stem cells are able to assist in healing human organisms due to the fact that they transmit genetic information and alter into different types of cells. The question of the ethics of the use of stem cells is a cause of many debates due to different views on whether or not an embryo should be protected as a person. Stem cells are instrumental in handling numerous human injuries and illnesses, from diabetes to Alzheimer’s.
References
Lymphoma action. (2019). Autologous stem cell transplant[eBook edition]. Lymphoma Action. Web.
Poulos, J. (2018). The limited application of stem cells in medicine: a review. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 9(1), 1-11. Web.
Zakrzewski, W., Dobrzyński, M., & Szymonowicz, M. (2019). Stem cells: past, present, and future. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 10(68), 1-22. Web.