Y1 Writes: A Collection of Student Essays 270 Marc Welc Marc Welc graduated from Hiawatha High School, where he was actively involved in basketball, student council, National Honors Society, yearbook, prom committee, student government, WYSE, Envirothon, History club, Tech club, and DCP SAFE. Marc still enjoys basketball, and he has developed an interest in playing the guitar as well. Marc has yet to choose a major in college, but his greatest desire is to make a difference. Marc values this essay because he is a strong believer in stem cell research. In "Removing Barriers to Save Lives," Marc was able to use evidence and logic to show others why he supports this research so adamantly. He hopes to gain readers' support as well.
Y1 Writes: A Collection of Student Essays 271 Removing Barriers to Save Lives Marc Welc On March 9, 2009, President Barack Obama released the executive order removing barriers to responsible scientific research involving human stem cells (Obama). In this executive order, Obama acknowledges that embryonic stem cell research has the potential to lead to better understanding and treatment of many disabling diseases and conditions and because of recent advances, Obama declares that research in the field should be supported with federal funding. The two main purposes of the order are to remove all limitations imposed on stem cell research by previous presidential action and to greatly increase the funding and support provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (Obama). Embryonic stem cells are cells obtained from embryos or fetal tissue (Snow 3). Most cells in the human body are specialized for a certain part of the body such as nerve cells, cardiac cells, etc. What makes stem cells so important is that they have not become specialized yet. Embryonic stem cells are able to develop into any type of cell in the body and therefore can be used to replace cells of any organ or system that have stopped functioning properly (Snow 17). Stem cell research was first limited in 1994, when President Clinton prohibited funding for research using embryos created solely for research purposes (Gruen, Grabel, and Singer 2). President Bush later enacted further limitations that prohibited funding for any research involving embryos on August 9, 2001. Several states, including California, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and Illinois, began appropriating state funding for embryo research before the national funding ban was finally lifted by President Obama s executive order (Gruen, Grabel, and Singer 3). Many people debate whether Obama s executive order was a wise, morally acceptable decision due to the numerous related issues. One of the major issues is whether an embryo can be considered a
Y1 Writes: A Collection of Student Essays 272 human being. Critics of embryonic research say that human life starts at conception because a distinct organism has come into being ( The Cases ). Supporters of embryonic research argue that an embryo is no more than a collection of cells and cannot be considered human until it develops the beginning of a nervous system called the primitive streak ( The Cases ). Another point being argued is whether a taxpayer s money should go towards supporting research with which he or she does not agree. Religion also comes into play as people question the presence of a human soul in embryos (Snow 15). In fact, one of President Bush s reasons for not permitting stem cell research was because he believes embryos are a sacred gift from our Creator (Gruen, Grabel, and Singer 2). The greatest related issue to embryonic research is abortion. Supporters say aborted fetuses should be used for research purposes since they would otherwise only go to waste, whereas opponents argue that the fetus deserves to be treated and respected like a human being and should not be used for research ( The Cases ). Other points of discussion that come up whenever embryonic stem cell research is argued are cloning and genetic engineering. In her book Stem Cells, author Evelyn Kelly points out that some people fear researching human embryos leads to the possibility of human cloning (122). People also worry that embryonic research will one day lead to a form of genetic engineering that will allow people to choose what qualities to give their children and virtually create perfect beings, which again involves religious beliefs. All of these issues fall short when looking at the bigger picture. Every student of Hiawatha High School s class of 2009 was present at graduation except for one. Senior Matt Wittwer was diagnosed with leukemia earlier that year and went through various treatments. All hope rested upon a bone marrow transplant from his younger sister. Not long after the transplant, his cells turned unhealthy again. Matt must now wait until a better-matching donor is found as his chances of survival slowly diminish. Advances in embryonic stem cell research prove that it may one day be possible to treat diseases like leukemia with much greater success rates than the rates provided by the simple bone marrow transplants used today. The numerous promising medical advances that embryonic stem cell research will provide outweigh the reasons against it. Research in this field will one day improve and save countless lives, and it only makes sense that the government, who
Y1 Writes: A Collection of Student Essays 273 should be looking out for our best interests, be the one to fund and support the research, proving Obama s executive order is both well reasoned and morally grounded. The first purpose of the order to remove the limitations on stem cell research proves logical. Research in embryonic stem cells offers many benefits despite its drawbacks. Unfortunately, stem cell research does require the use of human embryos. Some embryos are created in the lab entirely for the purpose of stem cell study, but many are embryos left over from planned in vitro pregnancies that would otherwise be discarded (Gruen, Grabel, and Singer 69). According to the National Institutes of Health, all of the embryos used in stem cell research are willingly donated ( Stem Cell Basics ). Even more controversial than the creation of embryos for stem cell research is the use of stem cells derived from aborted fetuses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year over 800,000 fetuses are aborted in the U.S. ( Reproductive Health ). Some people fear that government support of stem cell research makes abortion seem morally correct and, therefore, could lead to an increase in the number of cases. In 2001, the year Bush banned government support of stem cell research, there were 853,485 abortions ( Reproductive Health ). After two years of the enforced ban, that number went down to 848,163: an almost immeasurable 0.6% decrease ( Reproductive Health ). This decrease is more likely the result of chance. The loss of life through abortions is tragic, but the existence of stem cell research neither aids nor fights abortion. These 800,000 lives are already lost, but through stem cell research, they can help prolong and save millions of other lives. The list of diseases and complications that embryonic stem cells can help treat is almost endless. The most apparent use of stem cells is in a science known as regenerative medicine, in which tissues and organs are rebuilt (Bellomo 137). Through this method, stem cells can be used to replace skin on burn victims ( Stem Cell Basics ). Christopher Scott, author of Stem Cells Now, explains how arthritis can also be cured using embryonic stem cells to rebuild cartilage (107). In 2001, just under 80,000 people needed organ transplants, and less than 24,000 received them (95). All of these people could have been treated using stem cells. Damaged and failing organs such as the heart, lungs, and liver are rebuilt using stem cells as they develop into whatever type
Y1 Writes: A Collection of Student Essays 274 of cell is necessary (107). In the future, it may even be possible to create entire organs out of stem cells. Scientist Anthony Atala has already produced a urinary bladder and is working with his team on more complex organs (113). Stem cells can also regenerate nervous system cells called oligodendrocytes. If administered to a spinal injury victim within 10 months of the accident, they can provide full movement and recovery (115). In addition, embryonic stem cells can be used to treat degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer s, blood diseases like sickle cell anemia, and even diabetes (102). Fortunately for Matt and many others, Leukemia is yet another treatable disease on the seemingly endless list. Scott describes another amazing feat that can be accomplished with regenerative medicine: the replacement of a person s immune system. This ultimately cures autoimmune diseases, as opposed to the current treatments, which only lessen the symptoms or slow the progression of the disease (104). The treatment involves destroying a person s white blood cells and replacing them with embryonic stem cells. The stem cells attach to the bone marrow and produce a new population of immune cells that eventually takes over (104). Embryonic stem cell research offers more than just regenerative medicine. By culturing stem cells, scientists can test new drugs on them by allowing them to differentiate into whatever type of cell is needed ( Stem Cell Basics ). These drug tests using stem cells would eliminate the need for dangerous human or animal trials. Scientists could also study embryonic stem cells to learn the precise mechanisms with which they develop. This knowledge could help identify genetic, molecular, and cellular events responsible for congenital birth defects and diseases and help diagnose and treat those diseases (Cohen 21). With all of these advances in medicine, the government must be on the forefront. The second objective of Obama s executive order declares that the NIH will fund embryonic stem cell research, and this choice is rational when looking at the goals of the organization. The NIH s first two goals are to advance the Nation s capacity to protect and improve health and develop resources that will assure the Nation s capability to prevent disease ( About NIH ). The advancements of embryonic stem cell research will improve the health of millions of people each year and provide understanding of the development of early diseases and prevent them in future generations. The third goal is to expand knowledge and ensure a continued high
Y1 Writes: A Collection of Student Essays 275 return on the public investment in research ( About NIH ). Embryonic stem cell research will provide much more medical knowledge and new treatments and cures that will be well worth the taxpayers investment. The final goal is to exemplify and promote the highest level of scientific integrity ( About NIH ). Stem cell research must be carried out respectfully, efficiently, and with the utmost integrity. With the NIH in control of the funding for stem cell research, all stem cell research will be closely watched to ensure scientific integrity is maintained at every step. As compassionate, concerned citizens, we should support Obama s executive order removing limits on embryonic stem cell research because it proves logically and morally permissible. The limitations needed to be removed so that science can continue to progress towards the elimination of disease and the bettering of the lives of all mankind. As part of its goals and promises to the nation, the NIH should be responsible for funding embryonic stem cell research. With the removal of research limitations and the increase in funding, science is one step closer to obtaining medical treatments that guarantee success and don t leave the lives of people like Matt up to chance. Works Cited About NIH. National Institutes of Health (NIH) 17 Aug. 2009. National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Web. 7 Nov. 2009 <http://www.nih.gov/about/index.html>. Bellomo, Michael. The Stem Cell Divide. New York: Amacom, 2006. The Cases for and Against Stem Cell Research. FoxNews.com, 9Aug. 2009. Web. 7 Nov. 2009 < http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,31748,00.html>. Cohen, Cynthia B. Renewing the Stuff of Life: Stem Cells, Ethics, and Public Policy. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007. Gruen, Lori, Laura Grabel, and Peter Singer. Stem Cell Research: The Ethical Issues. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing Ltd and Metaphilosophy LLC, 2007. Kelly, Evelyn B. Stem Cells. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 2007. Obama, Barack. Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells. Executive Order.
Y1 Writes: A Collection of Student Essays 276 Office of the Press Secretary. The White House, 9 Mar. 2009. Web. 7 Nov. 2009 <http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/removing- Barriers-to-Responsible-Scientific-Research-Involving-Human- Stem-cells/>. Reproductive Health: Data and Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 15 Oct. 2009. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Web. 7 Nov. 2009 <http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/data_stats/index.htm# Abortion>. Scott, Christopher Thomas. Stem Cell Now: From the Experiment That Shook the World to the New Politics of Life. New York: Pi Press, 2006. Snow, Nancy E. Stem Cell Research: New Frontiers in Science and Ethics. Notre Dame, Indiana: University of Notre Dame Press, 2003. Stem Cell Basics. Stem Cell Information 28 Apr. 2009. National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Web. 7 Nov. 2009 <http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics6>. Instructor Stephanie Kummerer's comments: For this assignment, Marc chose an often worn out topic and made it fresh: stem cell research. By looking at President Obama s recent executive order, he proves that stem cell research is still a current and valid argument. Marc also worked through many drafts, refining his ethos as he truly wanted to reach those who would be against some methods of acquiring stem cells.