Why is Stem Cell Research a Controversial Subject?

Question:

What are some of the sources for stem cells?

Answer:

Stem cell research is a controversial subject because they are human embryonic stem cell (hESC), and obtaining stem cells involves the destruction of human embryos.

Explanation:

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are the primary raw material of the body, the cells that give rise to every other cell with specialized functions. Under the right circumstances, stem cells differentiate to form the most cells known as daughter cells in the body or in a research lab.

Stem cells are mostly found in bone marrow. This is how they divide in order to produce new blood cells. Once mature, blood cells end up leaving the bone marrow and reaching the bloodstream. A small number of immature stem cells enter the bloodstream.

Sources for Stem Cells:

Bone Marrow has long been thought to be the best source of stem cells. Previously, if a patient required a stem cell transplant but didn't have access to umbilical cord blood stem cells, they earned a bone marrow transplant.

Thus, human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research is morally and politically fraught since it encompasses the killing of human embryos. The inner cell mass of a 5 to 7-day-old blastocyst can be used to generate pluripotent stem cell lines. This is the reason for stem cell research to be a controversial subject.