The Great Stem Cell Debate

So what exactly is a stem cell? And what is it's function in new medical research? Basically put, a stem cell is a biological cell that is found in multicellular organisms; humans, animals, ect. These cells can divide through a complex process called mitosis and when they divide, can form specialized cell types. One really special thing about this is that they can be self renewing, or in other words, they can produce more stem cells. Stem cells are being used in some of the newest scientific studies. They are used produce new stem cells that are specialized to regrow muscle an even nerve tissue. So what could be wrong with that right? It is estimated that humans have between 50 to 100 trillion cells in their bodies, so what's wrong with taking out a few to use for medical research?

The debate doesn't rely on just stem cell research, but specifically embryonic stem cell research. These culture of cells are taken from the very early stages of human embryos, (about 4 days after the sperm meets the egg). Religious groups and pro-life groups have begun to fiercely protest the study of embryonic stem cell research because they believe that these clusters of cells should be considered a human.

But what is considered a human? This is the question that has been bothering humanity for thousands of years.

If one was to consult the Bible, they would find that the moment a child is conceived is the moment it is deemed a human and has a soul, and if that child is harmed in the womb it is considered a mortal sin (Exodus 21:22). The Quran and the Torah both have similar views of the beginning of human life. In all forms of religion their is a belief in some type of "soul" but when the soul comes into being is debated. Religious groups believe that stem cell research is wrong and against what they believe in.

It is believed that embryonic stem cells can one day be used to reduce the bodies rejection of donated organs, help regrow damaged nerve cells and many other things. I believe in a soul but my idea of when a soul develops varies greatly from that of many world religions. Human life is important, and I believe that we should do what ever we can to help suffering people right now, even if that means tampering with cells that could possibly grow into a human being.