What are some cons for stem cell research?

The obvious really - that it uses embryos therefore bringing in the argument of whether it can be considered a human at that point or not.

It really depends on what you mean. In general, there are no cons of stem cells. They are precursor cells in your body which are able to divide and aquire functions according to what cells they become.

If you are talking about stem cell research, there are a few downsides that I can come up with. The first is the question of where they come from. Stem cells can be derived from embryos, umbilical cord, or from adults. When the stem cells come from embryos, they are cells that can become any cell in the body, whereas from an adult the cells are more committed to particular functions. However, there is a lot of controversary surrounding the acquisition of stem cells from embryos. The use of embryonic stem cells can also pose problems of rejection as they are foriegn.

Using adult stem cells can be a problem as the cells have less ability to become any cell in the body. However, research has shown these stem cells can be reprogrammed to retain the properties of embryonic stem cells. This gets around the sourcing issues, and also the rejection issues (as they can now come from the same individual), though it creates two new issues. The first is that the cells may carry the same genetics that gave rise to health issues in the first place. The second is that this is relatively new technology, and the efficacy of reprogrammed stem cells needs more investigation.

Alot of people feel (often religiously) that the use of human embryos for the cultivation of fresh, universal T-cells (or Stem-cells) is a very sinful and/or immoral thing to do. I think that’s a bunch of hogwash! We would unlock broad steps in human longevity and start implementing revolutionary medical techniques if the research and development of T-cell technology were allowed to advance. We are terminally overpopulated, we’ve got more than plenty of human life I think… Imagine if you could sell your embryos and have birth control at the same time. The demand will be huge if T-cells ever really get off the ground. …I know, I’m a monstrous blaspheming heathen… :D

We wouldn’t exist without stem cells. White blood cells keep us from getting sick…

In my consideration: The embryo, or zygote becomes Human when it assimilates itself onto the wall of the uterus. Contact with the Mother is the spark of rudimentary consciousness, the birth of a soul… Raw, fertilized embryos can be collected before implantation. Thus not going to waste with the next menstrual cycle, due to hormonal adjustment a.k.a. contemporary birth-control…

The scientific name for white blood cells is “leukocytes” :D

so where do stand? you want it to help life or you don’t because their are already to many people living?