“I believe that we owe it to ourselves and future generations to introduce these measures and in particular to give our unequivocal backing within the right framework of rules and standards to stem cell research.” – Prime Minster Gordon Brown. What if a loved one was suffering from an incurable disease? Would you watch them wither away, or would you explore new technologies?
The issue of this article is Human-animal embryo research. Human-animal research is the process of in-vitro fertilization, which in simplified terms means, taking genetic material from one cell, and placing it into another one. This results in an exact copy of the cell, forming an identical twin. In theory, this testing has been implemented for organ transplants and tissue donors. Although I believe this is a good idea, many strongly disagree. The issue of human-animal embryo research bill is currently before the House of Commons where both sides of the issue will be presented.
Like every issue presented before the House of Commons, there are two distinguished sides. Pros and Cons lets call them. On one side of the spectrum, there are the people who agree with stem cell research, also known as embryo research. This is most likely because of the possible treatment discoveries. As of today, many cures for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and perhaps even Cystic Fibrosis, have been credited towards stem cell discoveries. Such advancements have affected millions in a positive way. Saviour Siblings is based upon this. Saviour Siblings are organs or implants, which are given to their sick brother or sister through the in-vitro fertilization process. This renews the lease on life for people of all ages. One example would be Prime Minster Gordon Browns youngest son Fraser, about two years of age, is suffering with Cystic Fibrosis.
On the other side of the spectrum, there are those who disagree with Human-animal embryo research. Defense Secretary, Des O’ Brien, who in fact serves under Prime Minster Gordon Brown***, calls it “Hideous.” On another occasion, Des O’ Brien was also quoted saying, “it is difficult to imagine a single piece of legislation which more comprehensively attacks the sanctity and dignity of human life than this particular bill,” at a Catholic Easter Sunday sermon. Catholics are the mass majority against Human-animal embryo research. This is due to the bible. Many believe that by growing organs in Saviour Siblings goes and against God’s will, while others believe the scientists themselves are playing God’s role. These people also call embryo research projects, “ethically wrong and almost certainly medically useless,” as quoted by Edward Leigh.
On the issue of Human-animal embryo research, I agree with all the current research. If it means that human lives are being benefited due to this, I have no basis from which to criticize. As I stated before, this type of medicine is highly beneficial towards people with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and perhaps even Cystic Fibrosis. Without this path explored, many could die due to lack of sufficient treatment. This in turn results in loss of family members due to diseases that might have one day become treatable.
In addition, countries such as Britain, which remains the world leader in stem cell research, along with Australia, France, Germany, and even Italy have no legislation against this type of research. Although there are many citizens of those countries who disagree, the government as a whole is not inflicting a legislative bill banning this research. The problem mainly resides within Catholic America.
Also, with the exact copy of organs, tissues and cells, there is literally no chance of organ rejection. Simply stated, this does two things. One, it cuts down the waiting time for a transplant and, Two, it results in less Immuno suppressants taken by the patient. Immuno suppressants are anti-rejection pills. This in turn, also saves the health care system a load of money (but there are no true numbers at this time)
These are some of the reasons that I believe that human-animal embryo research is a good idea. Certain diseases could be treated through innovation (Saviour Siblings) with fewer complications. A person’s quality of life would be dramatically improved.
