ALTERNATIVES TO EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH
Landza, Thomas, Thomson, Pederson and Gearhart (2005: 3-22) report that embryonic stem cells consist of stem cells obtained by fusing a patient's cell with an enucleated egg cell, thereby forming an embryo. This embryo is then allowed to grow for about five days until it is the size of about 150 cells. Cells are then extracted from the inner mass cells which destroys the embryo.
At this point the stem cells are cultured and will grow and divide indefinitely creating a stem cell line of offspring sharing its genetic characteristics. Embryonic cells are pluripotent which is to say that they are able to differentiate into many cell type; they have almost unlimited regenerative capacity and can potentially generate any body tissue (Landza, Thomas, Thomson, Pederson and Gearhart, 2005: 3).
There have been many claims about the almost miraculous sounding benefits that will occur as a result of embryonic stem cell research. For example, Weissman (2005: 1359-1366) suggests that the regenerate properties of these cells will eradicate all forms of cancer and leukemia. Further, The Stem Cell Research Foundation (2005: 1-2) promises that this research will revolutionize medicine with dramatic cures for cancer, Parkinson's, diabetes, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, macular degeneration and a host of other diseases. Moreover, the Stem Cell Foundation reports that embryonic stems cells will one day be used to repair catastrophic spinal injuries and help victims of paralysis regain movement.
Of course, these claims and this research are not without controversy. For example, Hoar (2004:43-44) states that claims of dramatic cures constitute nothing more than mass misinformation and manipulation. Reinoso (2004: 521) points out that there is almost no strong scientific justification for such claims and that, at best, the manifestation of these promises are far in the future. However, wh...