2. Table of Contents
Background Information
Benefits and drawbacks
How procedure is performed
Science behind this
How this improves are society
Social, political or ethical issues
Canadian data
3. Background Information
One of the cells found in the human body is a stem cell.
They don't change but they can reproduce themselves,
not only that but they can make brain cells, muscle cells,
lung cells and more.
Stem cells can be obtained in:
Bone marrow
Fat cells
Umbilical cord blood
Adult blood
Olfactory nerve endings
Skin cells
Human embryo
4. Benefits
Some of the areas that stem cells can
benefit include:
Parkinson's disease
Type I diabetes
Arthritis
Burn victims
Cardiovascular diseases
Potential of reversing:
Genetic Defects
Heart Attack
Parkinson’s disease
Did you know?
In the last 20 years, more
than 20,000 patients
have received umbilical
cord blood transplants
5. Drawbacks
Acquiring stem cells from a human
embryo is immensely unsavory. You
must kill the embryo to obtain the
stem cell. A human embryo can also
be titled as a baby in its first stage of
life. Though the child is in it's first
stage of life it is still terribly wrong to
kill the embryo. Attaining stem cells
through fatty tissue, bone marrow, or
the umbilical cord after the birth of
the embryo can be done decently, this
way will cause no damage to the
individual.
6. How is this procedure
performed
Embryonic stem cells from IVF embryos.
Human embryonic stem cell lines can be
derived from embryos created through in
vitro fertilization (IVF).
Usually, fertilization occurs within a woman's
body, but IVF technology has made it possible
to carry out fertilization and grow embryos in
the laboratory.
This technology has made it possible for many
otherwise infertile couples to have children. In
many cases, however, not all of the embryos
created will be used, and the remaining
embryos are frozen and stored.
These embryos are potential resources for
scientific research.
7. Science behind Stem Cells
How stem cells are created:
1.Sperm and egg join
2.Embryo formed
3.Inner cell mass isolated
4.Single cell isolated
5.Cell introduced to growth
medium
6.Cell divides, forming cell line
8. Ethical Issues
Only one way to obtain stem cells from developing
human embryo; killing embryo
Human embryo: innocent human being in its first stage
of life
Morally wrong to intentionally kill an innocent human
being, including embryonic stage of development.
Violates religious rules (Christian, Buddhist)- violate
principle that prohibits harm to living things
Different religious leaders have different opinions on
what's right and what's wrong.
Some religions believe that human embryos are fullfledged human beings from the moment of its creation
and deserves protection and respect
Largest group, Roman Catholic churches as well as
southern Baptists, conservative protestant churches
Some religious hold “certain amount of development”
is needed to recognized as a human being
9. Social Issues
Better treatment give social benefits for individuals
and economic gains for society
Those believe can lead to progress and medical
discoveries that will help us all live longer, healthier
lives
Possibly can cure diseases
For research: (use of “spare” human embryos from IVF
clinics)
If IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is accepted, and unneeded
embryos are disposed of anyway, why not obtain them
for stem cell research?
Adult stem cells hold promise, but cannot take place of
human embryonic stem cells because not all adult
stem cells can be found in every part of the body. In
addition, adult stem cells are difficult to identify and
isolate
Help treat a range of medical problems (Parkinson's,
Alzheimer's, heart disease, stroke)
10. Political Issues
Scientist instead receive “leftovers”
embryos from fertility clinics with
consent from donors
Federal government allocates billions of
dollars each year to biomedical research
Legislators have had unique challenge
encouraging advances in science and
medicine while preserving a respect for
life
Ex: George Bush limited federal funding
to a study of 70 or so HES cell lines back
in 2001
Tries to make both sides happy
Governments around globe have passed
legislation to regulate stem cell research
11. Solutions
A possible solution to the stem cell controversy is that
the government should put laws in order about abortion
and if an embryo legally is considered a human being. As
I believe if the government is involved it will put some
issues to rest. Overall, this issue socially cannot be
solved as people are entitled to their own opinions. I
believe society should respect each others opinion on
the issue have aborting embryos for stem cell research
purpose.
12. Canadian Research
McMaster's Stem Cell and Cancer
Research Institute (SCC-RI) explores the
underlying cellular and molecular
origins that initiate human cancer by
employing human stem cells as a model
system. The Institute's impressive
shared facilities are designed to help
mitigate the high cost of human stem
cell research that has made entry into
the field almost prohibitive for
investigators in Canada.Our groundbreaking research complements the
efforts of other stem cell programs and
centres in Canada and around the
world.
