by Dyson Wells

Created on: August 31, 2010   Last Updated: October 01, 2010

Stem Cells- A Moral Dilemma

The world we live in is an era of constant discovery. Science has made many groundbreaking discoveries capable of vastly contributing to the world around us, from splitting atoms to manufacturing vaccines for some of the deadliest diseases on Earth. But, along with these discoveries comes great controversy. The contrast between both religion and science has grown so prominent within today’s media that we fail to see the larger picture. Both religion and science strive to aid and contribute to their fellow man, but simply disagree on which moral path to take.

Many believe that stem cells are only capable of being obtained through embryonic dissection. This belief is incorrect and gravely misinformed. There are, in fact, numerous procedures for harvesting stem cells - some more effective than others. The first procedure to be performed involves the collection of adult stem cells. This non-evasive, humane collection of cells allows researchers to further their studies whilst avoiding any controversy concerning religious parties. Considering that religious organizations have little to oppose towards a rather routine procedure, scientific studies on adult stem cells have even gained the support and funding of religious figures: the Vatican ("CBC News - Health - Vatican Funds Adult Stem-cell Research). The issue amongst adult stem cell research remains, although morally sound, lacking in potential compared to alternative research. Because of this unfortunate revelation, the science community has focused its efforts towards more controversial studies.

Pertaining to the various forms of stem cells, embryonic stem cells remain the most controvertible; the collection process through which the blastocyst - a cluster of human cells during the early stages of conception - is destroyed. Heavily covered by the media, scientist and religious members have strongly debated the moral legitimacy of embryonic stem cells. Scientists proclaim the considerable amount of possibilities embryonic stem cells can provide. Along with the great deal of information we are now gaining, embryonic stem cells can be found in larger quantities and are far easier to obtain. The National Institute of Health, supporter of both studies admits, "Adult stem cells are often present only in minute quantities, are difficult to isolate and purify, and their numbers may decrease with age," (CNN.com-Adult Stem Cells or Embryonic? Scientists Differ). To further complicate

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