Recent developments in stem cell research may hold the key to improved treatments, if not cures, for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, spinal cord injury and countless other conditions. Many men, women and children who are cancer survivors are already familiar with the life-saving applications of adult stem cell research…
By expanding scientific access to embryonic stem cells which would be otherwise discarded, this bill will help our nation’s scientists and researchers develop treatments and cures to help people who suffer from illnesses and injuries for which there are currently none. But the bill is not without limits; it requires that scientific research also be subject to rigorous oversight.
I realise there are moral and ethical issues surrounding this debate. But I also realise that we’re not talking about harvesting cells that would’ve been used to create life and we’re not talking about cloning humans. We’re talking about using stem cells that would have otherwise been discarded and lost forever – and we’re talking about using those stem cells to possibly save the lives of millions of Americans…
1 Why are stem cells thought to be one of the great hopes of medicine? Give at least one example to support your answer.
2 Embryonic stem cell research is controversial. In small groups, research the pros and cons and prepare a short presentation for your classmates outlining both sides of the debate.
3 Find out about stem cell research in Ireland. In your opinion, should the Irish Government fund research into the medical uses of embryonic stem cells? Give at least three reasons to support your answer.
