I recently reviewed an interesting article highlighting the ethical implications associated with Stem cell research. It highlighted a common pitfall – highlighting the promise of Stem Cells to outweigh the ethical factors associated with them.

Generally when I think about medical advancements and promise, I tend to go straight to stem cells of all natures, ranging from unipotent, mulitipotent and pluripotent stem cells. They all have adept functions and are involved in numerous clinical trials throughout many different cohorts of medical professionals. They are involved in treating a range of disorders ranging from neurodegenerative disease to traumatic injuries which have lead to the deterioration of muscle tissue… Do you see how easy it is for me to talk about the science behind Stem Cells rather than the ethical implications? This is a commonality I have seen throughout my wider research when trying to learn more about Stem Cell ethics.

I know what you’re thinking, excluding the ethicality, this all sounds very promising… and truly it is, however, do you think Stem Cells are being used appropriately? Whatever the answer to that question is, let me lend you some information to reflect on.

The Peer reviewed clinical trials being done on diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease are incredibly promising and have shown amazing results… integrated amongst highly scientific jargon. What is not amongst this jargon is what the other uses of Stem Cell include and how much the treatment costs.

Stem Cell research is novel and people suffering from these disorders can undergo clinical trials for the price of normal healthcare, however, this requires a complex selection process so that scientists can pick specific patients in which they believe their treatment might be most effaceable rather than for those who need it most. Additionally, Stem Cell treatment outside of clinical trials is offered to the highest bidder. Personally, I believe Stem Cells are going to be amazing in the future, however, in the current climate, I cannot condone them for a number of reasons! But to name a few:

These treatments require much more testing and evidence to support their beneficial effects as oppose to their negative effects and those who buy into relatively untested Stem Cell treatment programmes might do themselves more harm than good whilst funding the growth of untested treatments. Those who need it most do not have it readily available to them, rather, it goes to the highest bidder. Therefore, a last ditch attempt to save a patients life may be overlooked by scientists wanting more positive outcomes or as they have been shown a bigger pay cheque by a patient and/or their family!

It also supports the genetic editing and creation of babies of a high compatibility to children with a disorder requiring Stem Cell transplants. These are known as saviour siblings who may be born into a life or surgery and hospital treatment. How is that fair? They don’t deserve to be thrown into a life of suffering and torture! This list is endless, however, finally I will touch on the doors that are opened through this Stem Cell research. Genetic engineering is closely linked to Stem Cell research and further advancements in one field will promote advancements in the other. How far out are we from couples with the most money being able to develop the “perfect child”?

Is a medical treatment which goes to the highest bidder and can jeopardise the lives of the youth of tomorrow ethical? Or is it just lucrative?