Editorial Response Journal

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Editorial Response Journal
Human Cloning and stem cell research are issues that have had different responses since their invention. The former refers to a scientific process that focuses on creating a genetically identical version of a human being. The research that aims at using the idea of human cell differentiation in creating cells that can be used for the treatment of chronic diseases goes by the name, stem cell research. Although many public institutions are against human cloning, no bill has been passed to support their opinions ( Panicola et al. 199). The same is happening with stem cell research. There are a lot of differences when it comes to the political and ethical view of these issues.
This research entails the destruction of human embryos, which has brought many questions regarding the morality of the act. Can a fertilized egg be regarded as a live human? In his support for this scientific research, Senator Hatch argued that an embryo that has been frozen in a clinic’s refrigerator is not the same as the one developing in a mother’s womb (Panicola et al. 200). Many politicians who support the issue have used similar reasoning to defend their opinions, which leads to an ethical controversy. Earlier ESC research did not receive any federal funding. However, it was allowed in 2001 by President Bush’s administration under some proposed guidelines which would see researchers use already developed cell lines in their research. President Obama’s administration, later in 2009, overturned the existing guidelines and ordered for development of new ones (Panicola et al.

202).
These research projects are all geared towards improving the state of human life. In as much as this is something to smile about, the ethical controversies surrounding it cannot be ignored. One of the questions that have been asked regarding this research is; when does human life start? As stated earlier, the success of these projects lies squarely on the destruction of a human embryo. Whether destroying the embryos for research is right or wrong depends on how you view the whole scenario. From the ethical point of view, those against the research rely on the morality of killing innocent human beings. It might be argued that the human embryo is an innocent life. Therefore, it will be morally wrong to terminate its existence. Whether human life starts before or after the formation of the embryo is a debate that will never come to an end. There are those that argue that a fertilized egg is human but has not developed enough to get the moral right to life.
The best analysis can be derived by weighing the health benefits of this research and the consequences suffered from the loss of embryos. Although embryos are still a subject of discussion here, most researchers use the already derived cell lines. The benefits that could come from this research surpass the morality questions attached to the destruction of embryos. As technology and other factors keep on developing, diseases and other health complications also keep on increasing. There are only two solutions to this issue, either stop the global developments or find a cure for the arising diseases. The former is impossible, therefore, it is up to the medical scientists to keep developing the cures for these diseases. ESC research appears to be one of the solutions and should be embraced.
Scientific research that directly affects human life has always received negative feedback for one reason or another. In ESC research, the ethical issue about the life of an embryo does not seem to get a decisive answer anytime soon. Everyone has their opinion on its moral status, and this is a debate that will keep on arising for as long as human life exists. However, the benefits that could be seen from this research could be a lot more than just the morality of embryos. ESC project, therefore, is worth a try and should be given a chance.
Work Cited
Panicola, Michael R et al. Health Care Ethics. Winona, MN: Anselm Academic, 2011. Print.