Cord Blood Stem Cells Information

Embryonic Stem Cells. Research without complete destruction?

Can it be done? Can they harvest stem cells from embryos without completely killing the embryo? If the cells can multiply infinitly, why take them all? I don't believe in killing a developing child for use of its stem cells. Regardless of the fact that they are used for medical purposes and they would be disgarded anyway, I think it is still wrong. They have the highest rate of success, vs. adult stem cells. Those can be found in the ear and in some other places. There aren't many successful alternatives to ESC harvesting. I know I might feel differently if MY child had a condition that could be cured with ESC. I would want the best treatment possible. It's good that they have found stem cells in cord blood, but harvesting/preserving it takes thousands of dollars. We were talking about this today in class and I'm trying to find out more. If you don't think it counts as murder, please explain why. Thanks in advance to all serious answers Kelsey

Public Comments

1. i don't know if they can harvest stem cells without killing the Embryo but it would be very difficult because they usually take most of the cells (there are only about 50-150). they have been some work on producing stem cells from adult cells or human animal hybrids. these stem cells are taken from embryos that would otherwise be destroyed. so we are sacrificing an embryo that will be destroyed anyway to save someone that will otherwise die. most countries perform abortions and these embryos can be in a higher stage of development then the embryos used for stem cells.