hESC Facts
You should read the “Biblical Facts” before considering these facts. If you have not done so, please go “Back” and read that information first.
I am in favor of the federal funding of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research; however, my goal in writing this analysis is to reveal the facts and let you judge for yourself.
In order to impartially judge this material you must set aside any preconceived opinions and forget the political positions regarding stem cell research.
The words embryo, embryonic, clone, and cloning have become supercharged inflammatory terms, abused and maligned ever since Dolly was cloned in 1996. Visions of Frankenstein, sorcery, immoral acts, and fetal murder are only a few of the visions uninformed people experience as embryonic research is discussed.
1. Female and male DNA must join together (fertilization).
2. The blastocyst (thin-walled hollow sphere made up of an outer layer of cells surrounding the dividing cells) must be connected to the endometrium (lining of the womb), which provides it maternal blood and nutrients.
The goal of hESC research is to produce treatments for numerous diseases and injuries. The process creates hESC lines from excess zogytes (fertilized eggs) from the in vitro fertilization process. Normally 5 to 10 eggs are taken from the female and fertilized outside of her body. The eggs are stimulated with chemical-s and growth factors and the cell begins to divide. The eggs are graded and 2 or 3 are placed in the womb. This procedure usually takes place within a 3- to 6-day time frame. This leaves a few excess fertilized eggs. About five days after the initial fertilization later the number of hESCs has increased to about 100 and the blastocyst has formed around inner cell mass (ICM). The disposition of the excess eggs is determined by the female. Normally one of three options is chosen: a.) The excess blastocysts are frozen in liquid nitrogen for future implantation. b.) They may be destroyed by various means. c.) They may be donated to scientific research. Those donated to medical science may be used immediately or be frozen. To create a hESC line, ICM is removed from the the bastocyst which is about the size of this period (.) when the 100+-cells are removed. These cells are placed in a petri dish containing a culture medium and they continue to divide indefinitely. Some of these cells are removed and placed in various chemicals. Some will become nerve, heart, or brain cells for example, depending on the chemicals. This process is called differentiation e.g., treating with different chemicals to form specific cell types. Theoretically they could be differentiated to become any of the 200+ cells that make up our bodies. Although no treatments have been developed, the potential is there. Scientists expect hESCs will provide an unlimited supply of cells, tissues, and organs. When transplanted into the victim of a disease or injury, they will replace diseased tissue or organs, and restore functions lost to injuries. It is also possible for these cells to transport drugs to diseased organs, deep into the brain, or nervous system, where surgery is impossible. This is the scientific process; trial and failure until you succeed.
These cells can survive being frozen at -320 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 years or more without damage! Could a true embryo, fetus, infant, juvenile, or adult survive this?Return to top
