Stem cell research's ethical concerns

This essay examines the ethical concerns that are currently arising in the field of stem cell research and how they might be studied and used by researchers. Undifferentiated cells called stem cells can be found in a variety of body tissues, including the embryo and the bone marrow. Considered in the context of their functions in cell formation and repair, stem cells may prove useful in the treatment of serious disorders. The use of early stage embryos as a source of stem cells brings up ethical issues regarding human development, what makes a person unique, and whether or not embryos ought to be treated like humans. Numerous ethical questions also arise regarding how stem cells are donated, and whether the donors are fully aware of the implications of the studies that their biological material may be subjected to. Although stem cell research promised great advancements in the field of medicine, it is still necessary to regulate its application in order to ensure there is no abuse and that researchers are guided by similar rules.

Keywords: stem cell research, ethics, early-stage embryo, donation, regulation

Introduction

            Science and Technology is like a double-edged sword. It can lead to significant developments in society. It can also present numerous challenges and inspire questions regarding ethics and what is permissible. Numerous issues have arisen in the wake of developments in stem cell research and technology. Although some elements of stem cell research and technology are already being applied in clinical therapy, numerous ethical issues remain unresolved.

            Stem cells from human subjects may be categorized in human embryonic stem cells and somatic stem cells. This classification is based on the source of and developmental stage of the cells. Somatic stem cells are often hematopoietic stem cells or neural stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells have been used from as early as the 1950s in treating blood disorders such as leukemia. Clinical research on neural cells, which are associated with mesenchymal stem cells, however, is at a rather primary stage. The major ethical issues associated with somatic stem cell research involve the sources of the cells, the mechanisms of sourcing the cells, as well as how safe they are in application (Suli, 2013).

            Stem cells have the potential to save many lives and reduce suffering. However, it is necessary to examine the emerging clinical issues in order to ensure that there are common accepted rules in clinical settings.

The Status of the Early Human Embryo

            The question that arises here is what are early human embryos? Can they be classified as people or they simply a ball of cells? Alternatively, are they something different altogether? Some people will take a scientific perspective and argue that early embryos are undifferentiated cells, and not a person, as they are unable to exist out of the womb. They would also argue that they couldn’t feel and that it not just permissible to conduct experiments on such cells, but also desirable, even a moral duty, considering the potential of finding novel ways of managing serious health conditions (Barfoot, et al., 2010).

            Most scientists will agree that the early embryos do not constitute an individual. Some may argue that they are parts of another’s body, with no independent moral status (Hug, 2006). The early stage is simply another cell that has hardly differentiated into tissues. Besides, it could still split to form twins. Nevertheless, there are limits. Most scientists will also agree that at some point, it is not advisable to conduct experiments on embryos, particularly when it is clear that they have begun exhibiting biological or physical characteristics that signify life or development into a human being (Barfoot, et al., 2010).

Issues Arising from Biological Material Donation

            Autonomous decision-making with regard to donating biological materials, which could be potentially used in stem cell research, demands the provision of fully informed and voluntary consent (Koch, Roxland, Pohl, & Keech, 2013). Both researchers and institutions are under obligation to disclose the type of research, as well as its purpose. It is also critical to divulge the potential risks as well as benefits of taking part in a study or donating material. All these ought to be done in a manner that encourages full comprehension of information presented.

            However, considering the complexity of the technology and techniques, it might be challenging for lay people to understand the implications of their participation. Other complex issues that arise include the diverse stem cell lines that can be obtained from various tissues, and the potential of the research, long after the biological materials have been obtained. In addition, ‘participating’ is stem cell research is unconventional compared to other medical or scientific activities (Koch, Roxland, Pohl, & Keech, 2013). This is because it is difficult to define the rights of the stakeholders to control, influence, or even benefit from the results of the activity. It is also critical to note that any derivative products could be substantially altered with time.

Experimental Use and Recruitment

            The increasing application of stem cells within clinical settings has given rise to more ethical issues. There has been an increase in stem cell therapies, some potentially unproven and for-profit, with increasing health risks. For instance, stem cells may migrate in the human body and differentiate into undesirable tissues, including teratoma and other tumors (Suli, 2013). Stem cell injections could also transmit viruses or pollutants, leading to unforeseen disease evens. In addition, there are concerns over other risks that may arise since stem cell therapies are often coupled with surgeries, including microbial infections, bleeding, meningitis, among others.

            In addition, since stem cell research is relatively new and considered revolutionary, it is relatively easy to lure desperate patients to take part in studies or therapies. This is more of a risk in for-profit health institutions. Patients may sign up for therapies based on exaggerated reports or false hopes. This also brings up the potential to exploit desperate patients who may feel that they have exploited available options. They could be willing to part with money in order to participate in unproven therapies since it is their only hope. However, this might be a source of profit for some practitioners who may not exhaust the principle of informed consent for the benefit of the potential clients.

Discussion

            There are numerous reasons cited for why stem cell research and technologies are controversial. However, there are scholars who argue that there are certain situations that demand that early embryo stages and other sources of stem cells be used. Some of the scholars argue that the embryo is not entitled to the full human status. In addition, some may argue that the rights of an early stage embryo ought not to come into conflict with that of an adult human so that adults or children bear the investment of experience and are indeed self-aware. Again, embryos that are likely to be used in stem cell research are equally most likely have been set aside for other applications, for example, fertility treatments.

            According to some scholars, therefore, it would be morally objectionable to deny people the potential benefits of stem cells where they may be of assistance, and where the requirements with regard to donation and consent have been fulfilled. In some cases, stem cell tissue or early-stage embryos may be cultured specifically for application in stem cell research. This might also be justifiable where the conditions regarding consent and donation have been sufficiently covered. Nevertheless, it might still be necessary to outrightly ban such activities because human life needs to be respected at all times, with no compromises. This is because setting precedents that embryos do not qualify as human life may extend to other classes of human beings eventually to cover people who are incapacitated, disabled, or elderly.

Conclusion

            Stem cell research entails both theoretical and applied aspects with the aim of understanding tissue differentiation, repair, development, and ageing. The intended applications may involve the use of undifferentiated tissues in organ or tissue replacement or regeneration. The ethical issues that arise with regard to stem cell research and technologies fall into two main categories. They involve issues to do with the origin of stem cells, particularly where embryo stem cells are used. Although some may argue that the stem cells in question may not have a chance at developing into an individual, the issues that arise from such a perspective cannot be conclusively resolved to the satisfaction of people with different beliefs and perspectives. The other group of ethical issues is similar to issues that arise in the case of organ donation, mainly with regard to consent and appropriate regulation post-donation (Lo & Parham, 2009).

            Stem cell technologies have ushered us into a new era of medical research with the potential to push boundaries, not only on what may be cured but also on what should and should not be done by humans. Although the results of stem cell research may be very beneficial to persons with debilitating conditions, it is critical to come up with clear and widely accepted guidelines to guide study and practice in this exciting field. Regulations may protect desperate patients and their loved ones from for-profit institutions while establishing rules that must be accepted by all, even if some may disagree to at least guarantee order.



References

Barfoot, J., Bruce, D., Laurie, G., Bauer, N., Paterson, J., & Bownes, M. (2010). Stem Cells: Science and Ethics. Edinburgh: Centre for Regenerative Medicine.

Hug, K. (2006). Therapeutic perspectives of human embryonic stem cell reserch versus the moral status of a human embryo - does one have to be compromised for the other. Medicina, 107-114.

Koch, V. G., Roxland, B. E., Pohl, B., & Keech, S. K. (2013). Contemptoary Ethical Issues in Stem Cell Research. In Stem Cell HandBook (pp. 29-37). Springer.

Lo, B., & Parham, L. (2009). Ethical issues in stem cell research. Endocrine reviews, 204-213.

Suli, S. (2013). Stem Cell Research and Ethics. Peking Union Medical College, Centre for Bionetworking.