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Why was stem cell research banned?
Opponents argue that the research is unethical, because deriving the stem cells destroys the blastocyst, an unimplanted human embryo at the sixth to eighth day of development. As Bush declared when he vetoed last year’s stem cell bill, the federal government should not support “the taking of innocent human life.” Stanford has been a leader in stem cell research for the past three decades. Though Hinduism believes that life begins at conception, the religion has no official position on stem cell research. Currently, the only stem cell treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are products that treat certain cancers and disorders of the blood and immune system.
Is stem cell research safe?
Furthermore, there is no proof that any stem cell therapy offered by stem cell clinics is effective or safe. Unlike FDA-approved procedures, which are subject to years of rigorous trials, unapproved treatments marketed directly to patients are developed and performed with little oversight. These unproven, unregulated stem cell treatments carry significant risk. The risks range from administration site reactions to dangerous adverse events. For example, injected cells can multiply into inappropriate cell types or even dangerous tumors. In India, there is no law to regulate the use of stem cells. The Indian Council of Medical Research has issued guidelines that recognise stem cell therapies only for certain treatments and say that other types of treatments are unproven and should not be offered as therapy. Richard Mariarz leads the facility among the world’s top stem cell doctors. They have performed over 3,800 stem cell transplants, including 1800 allogeneic procedures in adults. Stem cells survive much longer than ordinary cells, increasing the chance that they might accumulate genetic mutations. It might take only a few mutations for one cell to lose control over its self-renewal and growth and become the source of cancer.
What is the impact of stem cell research?
Researchers hope stem cell studies can help to: Increase understanding of how diseases occur. By watching stem cells mature into cells in bones, heart muscle, nerves, and other organs and tissue, researchers may better understand how diseases and conditions develop. People who might benefit from stem cell therapies include those with spinal cord injuries, type 1 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, stroke, burns, cancer and osteoarthritis. Stem cells are a promising potential solution for reversing the visible signs of aging. These special cells have the ability to regenerate damaged tissues and improve overall cellular function, which may lead to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and other age-related changes. Several studies using stem cells as a treatment for arthritis have shown lasting results anywhere from six months to several years. In India, there is no law to regulate the use of stem cells. The Indian Council of Medical Research has issued guidelines that recognise stem cell therapies only for certain treatments and say that other types of treatments are unproven and should not be offered as therapy.
Is stem cell research halal?
However, according to Muslim beliefs, the research should be considered ethical and permissible by most followers, as the embryo is destroyed long before it has developed into what is considered an individual with rights. Because of the inevitable consequences of reproductive cloning, it is prohibited in Islam. However, stem cell research for therapeutic purposes is permissible with full consideration, and all possible precautions in the pre-ensoulment stages of early fetus development, if the source is legitimate. The Catholic Church has become the leading voice against any form of human cloning and even against the creation of human embryonic stem-cell lines from ‘excess’ in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos. Whereas Germany, Austria, Italy, Finland, Portugal and the Netherlands prohibit or severely restrict the use of embryonic stem cells, Greece, Sweden, Spain and the United Kingdom have created the legal basis to support this research. Belgium bans reproductive cloning but allows therapeutic cloning of embryos. In 2001, President George W. Bush banned federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, citing that the use of these embryos, which would otherwise be discarded or would deteriorate in long-term storage, diminishes the value of human life.
Is stem cell research banned in India?
In a move to curb rampant malpractice, India has banned commercial use of stem cells as elements of therapy and warned of punishments to erring clinicians claiming stem cell cures for diseases through direct-to-consumer marketing. In India, the cost of getting a stem cell therapy can range between Rs. 15 lakhs to Rs. 25 lakh depending on the kind of transplant; whether it is an allogenic transplant or an autologous transplant. Opponents argue that the research is unethical, because deriving the stem cells destroys the blastocyst, an unimplanted human embryo at the sixth to eighth day of development. As Bush declared when he vetoed last year’s stem cell bill, the federal government should not support “the taking of innocent human life.” Stem cell transplant has shown a 70%-80% success rate in treating non-malignant conditions such as aplastic anemia. Currently, the success rate of stem cell therapy in India is around 65%-85%. This is so as the quality of treatment and hospitality provided by India is very satisfying.