Bioethics

BIOETHICS
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The Morality of the Stem Cell Research
There is a universal agreement by scientists that stem cells may be used in the treatment of some ailments. Apparently, scientists advocate for embryonic stem cell research, which is deemed essential in establishing cures since these cells can manipulate themselves into various shapes in the human body. The employment of the stem cells in such a cause has however, sparked condemnation and negative attitudes from various people. More attention is especially given with regard to use and interfering with the life of the human embryo (Corbett, 2006).
During one of the debates in Australian parliament members of the upper house were grossly divided on whether to support the development stem cell research or not. One member who gave his support to the legalization of the stem cell research had argued that an embryo “is not a human being" and hence it is morally defendable if its cells to cure patients in critical conditions. Additionally, this Member of Parliament argued that this kind of matter did not need religious, ethical concern as it was a “science related issue” (Corbett, 2006).
On the contrary, another politician, Guy Barnett had advocated for vigorous campaigns to curb embryonic stem cell research. His main arguments with relation to this were that embryonic stem cell research instilled futile hope for patients. He had also claimed that other than from the adult stem cells; there were no advances, yet that had been clearly established from such kind of studies hence, there was no need of destroy embryos (Corbett, 2006).
In 2006, US president by then, George Bush rejected Congress’ bid to legalize embryonic stem cell research in the country. In one of his speeches at a white house ceremony, Bush articulated that there is no way politicians would advocate destruction of innocent life to benefit others. He added that each person had a moral duty to preserve life (Babington, 2006). President Bush also claimed that it was morally outrageous to consider young boys and girls as “spare parts” for others live.
DeGette who is the vice chair of the committee on energy and commerce is a great supporter of stem cell research. According to her, stem cell research offers hope for millions of American suffering from different chronic conditions which have no dependable cures. She was grateful especially for the current US president Obama for lifting Bush’s ban on stem cell research. She also suggests that congress ought to enact laws of safeguarding scientists and beneficiaries of stem cell research (DeGette, 2012).

Harris on the other hand, observes that human stem cell research can provide insights and development on the medical field. Even though, he acknowledges that there are people who are against this concept on account that those embryos are living beings, he observes that the life of the present population who are suffering from various ailments is more important than these embryos (Harris, 2008, Pages: 165..6). Embryonic stem cells offers hope in millions of sufferers for acute conditions. The cells could offer constant supply of organs and tissues, which will in turn eliminating the suffering experienced by many individuals. Harris counters the arguments by the opponents of embryonic research that stem cell are life beings by articulating that every cell in a human body could be considered as a living being.
Although the Tasmanian legislator, Harris and other like-minded figures opine as “ethics and morality be left out of the argument", this issue needs ethical and moral considerations. Additionally, their expressions are themselves an admission of the immorality of the concept. Although scientific researchers may discover the benefits of embryonic stem cells in medicines, we must not only focus on the benefits but the human cost of such advancement. It does not make any moral sense in taking one’s life to preserve another.
The Embryonic stem cell research by other counties should not be a concern to us. This is because; each county has her own regulations concerning how the research should be carried and also their justification of doing the same. Some people may argue that allowing embryonic stem cell research will lead to increased cures for many diseases but, in essence, we will also experience baby steps, in other words, population will decline.
Alienable and Inalienable Rights to Our Bodies
All human beings are the owners of their body parts, bodily fluids and genes by the fact that they are attached to them. In accordance to Black’s Law Dictionary, (Sixth Edition, page 1523), the word “Unalienable” refers to being incapable of being sold or transferred to another. All human beings were created equal, and there is nobody who should exercise control over another. Alienable rights are those that require that one has a right to either sell or transfer his or her body part to another person. Demanding that we have alienable rights for our bodies is morally outrageous. This is b...