The Debate over Fetal Tissue Research Essay -- Science Medicine Papers

The Debate over Fetal Tissue ResearchAlmost altogether of us would agree that it is the medical fields use of goods and services to do all it can to help relieve and prevent human suffering. This point is not often debated. Taking aspirin, getting a flu lance or a vaccination, or taking antibiotics to feel better argon all common in our world. The use of fetal tissue can fling relief to many patients today, but yet these people are not getting the full benefits of what this treatment can offer them. Many people are worried ethically about what will result from this field of research. But fetal tissue research is overwhelmingly beneficial and should be continued and back up despite the arguments against it, as long as some guidelines are set up to regulate the ethical aspects.Properties of Fetal CellsWhat is it that makes fetal tissue so semiprecious to research? Due to certain properties of these young cells, they are perfect for a number of uses in medicine and research. There are four main properties that thrust fetal cells this potential for a successful transplantation. The first property is their ability to begin and proliferate after transplantation. By growing, it is more likely that the transplanted cells will take a functional part of the recipients existing tissue. In fact, researchers believe that at some point in the future they will be able to grow a full functioning kidney from a few fetal kidney cells. Along with their ability to grow and divide rapidly is the fetal cells ability to produce trophic substances. These are the growth factors which help the cells to proliferate quickly. They also promote the regeneration of adjacent damaged tissue of the recipient. (Council...Affairs 566) Another significant trait of these c... ...e have. And even with all the arguments, fetal tissue transplantation has so many benefits that it needs to be researched and used to help all those who are suffering that it can.BibliographyBegley, Sharon. Cures F rom The Womb. Newsweek 22 Feb. 1993 49-51. Council on scientific Affairs and Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs. Medical Applications of Fetal Tissue Transplantation. JAMA 263 (1990) 565-570.Harris, Rod, Ellen Mayo, Jim Tankersly. An Introduction to Fetal Tissue Transplantation. On-Line. Internet. Available http//www.gene.com/AE/AE/AEPC/WWC/1992/fetaltissue_transplants.html.Kogan, Barry S. A Time to Be born(p) and A Time to Die, the Ethics of Choice. Aldine de Gruyter, New York. 1991.Roberston, John A. Rights, Symbolism, and Public Policy in Fetal Tissue Transplants. Allocations, Social Justice, and Health Policy. 663-673.