The Ethics of Stem Cell Research

Presented by Corey Gomes

Bme 181 April 15, 2013

What are Stem Cells? Undifferentiated cells

Potential to divide up into many other functioning cells

Known as “blank” cells Start off as zygotes

Two types Embryonic Non-embryonic (Adult Cells)

Background First started in the 1950’s

Bone marrow transplant

Large increase within the past 10 years 2001 President Bush promotes funding

Restrictions lifted in 2009

2009 FDA approves phase-1 trials

Bioengineering aspects Research to develop a new way to cure diseases

and defects of cells in the body Focused on embryonic cells Medical laboratory work

Harvesting of stem cells 5-14 days

In-vitro fertilization Raises ethical issues Trying to limit risks and rejection of the stem cells

in the body

Research and Therapy with Stem Cells

Cure many diseases Cancer, multiple sclerosis, brain damage, spinal

cord injuries, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, broken bones

Phase-1 clinics Can last up to a year Prices range from $8,000-30,000 Not effective

Only have been in use for a few years

Ethics regarding Stem Cell research Destruction of Embryo

An embryo is a living human after the first 5 days of fertilization

Federal funding provided due to regulations Consent of patient Embryo was created for reproductive purposes

and is not needed for a functioning purpose The embryonic cell is discarded after in-vitro

fertilization

References http://ask.healthline.com/health/stem-cell-

research http://www.ehow.com/

about_6671593_cost-cell-treatment-multiple-sclerosis.html

http://www.emcell.com/ http://www.biotechlearn.org.nz/themes/

biotech_therapies/timeline_for_stem_cell_research