Ethical Implications of Cloning and Stem Cell Research Essay Example for Free

Ethical Implications of Cloning and Stem Cell Research Essay Bio-medical breakthroughs in the fields of genetic and tissue engineering hold great promise. However, as modern medicine advances, it often poses major ethical issues on which people are seriously divided. The argument in favor of proceeding with research at unrestrained pace is mainly advocated by scientists and medical experts who would like to see some fantastic therapeutic benefits that science promises in the form of stem cell technologies. Scientists are absolutely thrilled by the possibilities looming on the horizon (Thompson, Harrub 2001c). On the other side of the debate are people, sometimes led by religious groups, who are concerned we may going too far too fast, using unacceptable means and in unknown directions. Stem cell research has the greatest potential for saving lives, but is controversial for its research based on embryos and fetuses (Rickard 2002). Stem cells are immature and unspecialized cells that that possess both the capacity to renew themselves indefinitely as well as the capability to differentiate themselves into specialized and mature cells. Mature cells, such as the heart’s myocytes or the liver’s hepatocytes, stop dividing after several dozen divisions, while stem cells can keep on dividing indefinitely, either renewing themselves or bringing out specialized cells. There are four types of stem cells in the human body 1) adult stem cells, 2) fetal stem cells 3) embryonic stem cells, and 4) nuclear transplant stem cells. For the first three months of pregnancy, a fertilized cell, or zygote, divides and grows in the mothers womb and is referred to as an embryo. The embryo’s stem cells are the precursors of the development of a complete human baby. They produce all of the bodys various 100 trillion cells. It should become possible to use embryonic stem cells to regenerate any type of cell that the body needs. When the embryo assumes an apparent human body form, it becomes a fetus. Because the fetus is growing rapidly, all tissues and organs, including the brain, contain stem cells. It is for this reason that stem cell researchers are interested in studying fetal tissues. Studies suggest that human embryonic stem cells have immense potential in terms of developing into multiple tissue types and long-term self-renewal. Therefore, stem cell research entails the intentional creation of human embryos in the highly artificial context of an IVF clinic, using cloning techniques, and discarding them after their use for research is exhausted (Thompson, Harrub 2001a). The question to be resolved is whether research on embryonic stem cells constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights, in particular the principle of respect for human dignity and the right of life. However, many believe that conception/fertilization is not a moment but a process, and the early development does not indicate true individuality in any sense of the word, and therefore there is violation of human rights. The promise of embryo research, liberal-minded people tend to think, is too real to ignore any longer by sticking to conservative attitudes that stand in the face of pragmatism. And yet, even they would flinch at the possibilities of reproductive cloning. The difference between therapeutic cloning using embryonic stem cells (stem cell research) and reproductive cloning is the distinction between creating cloned body tissue or organs for therapeutic purposes and creating cloned human beings. Reproductive cloning is generally viewed as morally abhorrent because it is seen as unnatural and a commodification of human life, and it captures public fears about the power of science to pursue a eugenic agenda. When governmental organizations of today debate ban on human cloning, the main issue in such debates would be whether to ban outright all forms of embryo cloning, which a number of countries seem to support, or to permit the cloning of embryos for research purposes (therapeutic cloning/ stem cell research) while outlawing human reproductive cloning. Besides reproductive cloning, there is another untoward ramification to therapeutic cloning, which is cloning for enhancement. The issue of using advances in stem cell research for the purposes of enhancement, as against solely therapeutic purposes, opens up a Pandora’s box of all kinds of complications, ethical, social, psychological, philosophical and practical. For instance, stem cell approaches might help to cure Parkinsons patients, but, in the not too distant future, they could also be used to improve brain functions. Rich people would be able to afford this therapy and poor people would not. This could create a most undesirable stratification of the society. But where does therapeutic cloning end, and enhancement cloning begin — even if cloning was advanced for purely therapeutic purposes, it would soon spread into the domain of enhancement. This is the argument of â€Å"slippery slope† commonly advanced against all biomedical research involving genetic and cellular manipulation. Last but not least, thanks to the promise that genetic engineering and human cloning research hold, the prospects of achieving capabilities for indefinite life extension even within the next twenty to thirty years are very high (Thompson, Harrub 2001b). The consequences of physical immortality for whole populations are simply inconceivable. But today, the possibility of human race becoming permanently deathless looms uncomfortably close to us. Therefore it becomes imperative that something be done to stem the advances of genetic and cloning research before the situation goes out of hand. A number of states have already enacted specific cloning-ban legislation, either banning the cloning of humans or imposing a moratorium on cloning within the state. Other states have taken action at least to consider formally similar legislation. At federal level, the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2003, which bans the process of human cloning for any purpose and the importation of any product derived from an embryo created via cloning, was passed by the U. S. House of Representatives on 27 February 2003. It was not ratified by the senate though. The Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2005 bans only reproductive cloning while allowing therapeutic cloning. To date, federal regulations only prohibit federal funding for research into human cloning (Cash 2005). Though the science of bio-medical engineering is making rapid strides, and offers the promise of unveiling radical new therapies, simply the fact that a technology exists does not imply that anyone who can pay for it can be automatically allowed to use it. This is because the emerging genetic and cellular techniques and technologies raise all kinds of issues, ethical, philosophical, social, psychological and so on. They carry with them implications very difficult even to comprehend.

Eve’s Food Preparation: Art and Experience in Eden :: Research Papers

Eve’s Food Preparation: Art and Experience in Eden The arts of the first couple before the Fall have been extensively written on. It seems that most critics view prelapsarian art as congruous and natural to Eden, as evidence of prelapsarian splendor. Ann Torday Gulden states that art in Eden is socially neutral: â€Å"Surely art is innocuous [in Eden], an integral part of paradisal bliss† (18). Indeed, Eve’s artistic activity makes Eden seem all the more delightful to the reader. However, with a careful examination of how Eve’s art is perceived by the poem’s male characters, it becomes evident that Eve’s aesthetics do not quite fit. It is tempting for the reader, who lives in a â€Å"fallen† world, so unequivocally in favor of artistic culture, to praise Eden for examples of cultural activity within it. However, just about every example of Eve’s artistic activity is characterized by an aloofness from divine discourse. The male authoritative characters of Paradise Lost primarily ignore Eve’s examples of talented artistry, giving neither praise nor disapproval. But while the lack of recognition speaks volumes about her low status, it allows her an expansive autonomy from the divinely recognized modes of Edenic worship and devotion which serve to revere God. If the authoritative male characters regard her creativity as inconsequential, then there is almost no limit to the degree of autonomous creativity she can have within that localized sphere of artistry; no one is watching her or correcting her. The way in which Eve prepares food for the dinner guest, the angel Raphael, is a prime illustration of both Eve’s removal from the divine discourse and her expansion of a cultural, creative realm in which she can act, rather than follow. The first thing to recognize about the scene of Raphael’s arrival to instruct Adam and Eve is that Eve is excluded from proximity to the divine by Adam. To some degree, Adam actually forces her removal. The first one to see Raphael coming is Adam, of course. He says: Haste hither, Eve, and, worth thy sight, behold Eastward among the trees what glorious shape Comes this way moving; seems another morn Risen on mid-noon. Some great behest from Heaven To us perhaps he brings, and will vouchsafe This day to be our guest. But go with speed, And what thy stores contain bring forth, and pour Abundance fit to honour and receive Our heavenly stranger... (5.308) Adam’s language is unquestioning. It is clear that he knows a guest from Heaven is on his way. The speed with which he recognizes that the thing on the horizon is from Heaven shows that he has an intuitive

Objections and Rebuttals

Objections and Rebuttals Whenever a customer has an objection to the offer or price, the problem is not that offer or the price it is actually that we as advocates have failed to build enough value in the product to justify the price. So in actuality the reason for the objection more often than not is that the customer is telling us that they are not willing to pay $19. 95/$24. 99 at this moment. The best way to combat this is to use an intelligent and informed rebuttal, do this by keeping the conversation going don't get flustered or aggravated Listen Think & Respond. Show empathy with the customer let them know you are here to solve their problem, remember we have to make the customers objections seem miniscule and offer a reasonable solution to get the sale. DO NOT LET AN OBJECTION TURN INTO A VERBAL BATTLE BETWEEN YOU AND THE CUSTOMER, YOU WILL LOOSE. How to address an objection: Step 1 – Cushion the objection by saying, â€Å" I totally understand but†¦ † Step 2 – Question the objection. I know this is a hurdle for some of us but we have to be confident remember these customers called us for a solution. Use what they revealed in the probing and call them out on it. Step 3 – Build more value tie the benefits directly to the objection. Again remind them why they called Paint a Picture for the customer help them visualize the results. Step 4 – Close. Don't wait after making a relevant rebuttal that makes purchasing the product today logical ask for the sale. Now lets explore some common objections and rebuttals for those objections. Objection: â€Å"I don't have a credit card! † Rebuttal: â€Å"I totally understand, many people don't use credit cards. This is when we need to go back to the hot button, remind the customer of their answers to your probing questions. Build value by tying the benefits directly to their reason for calling. This is were we need to make an affirmative statement â€Å"If I can guarantee you that for $19. 95/$24. 99 Proactiv would finally get rid of your acne or you get a full refund of the purchase price don't you agree that that would b e a full-proof investment? It's a win win situation you can't loose with this offer. If the customer still says they don't have a card we have to give them every option available such as â€Å"Is there someone there that understands what your going through that could let you use their card and you could give them the cash? † or â€Å"Is there someone that you can call to help you out with this I don't mind holding while we figure this out? † This particular objection can seem tough at first again DONT GET FRUSTRATED display your dedication in finding a solution for the customer. Objection: â€Å"I'm going to think about it† this particular objection should make our blood boil. What's to think about after talking to a knowledgeable advocate such as yourself, Right? Rebuttal: â€Å" I totally understand but don't you agree that the best way to think about this product is to actually use it in your home and get real time results, because that is exactly what this Risk-Free promotion is about† or â€Å"I totally understand but let's be honest with ourselves are you really going to go home and think about having clear skin? We all know life is hectic and putting this off will only make that clear and healthy skin be further out of your reach we are halfway there its time to take control† remember some of these customers are very indecisive we need to be the deciding factor in the phone call and we do this by displaying confidence in our rebuttals. Objection: â€Å"I need to talk to† this is usually just the customer backing out Rebuttal: â€Å"I totally understand but that is why we have the Risk-Free trial so there are no strings attached , if you thought enough of this person(or yourself) to call then I am positive that this is the solution for them/you the results will speak for itself† Objection: â€Å"I will call back† this one you have to do additional probing WHY do they need to call back Rebuttal: â€Å"May I ask why you would need to call back† it will most likely turn into another objection , at this point we need to build more value and create urgency in ordering today. Objection: â€Å"I thought it was FREE† this is the one we get the most do not get frustrated Rebuttal: Agree with the free â€Å"I totally understand the commercial does mention free gifts, and you are going to be receiving some really great free gifts today $35 worth in fact. But we give these free gifts to you when you purchase the Risk-Free trial, we simply want to prove to you how great Proactiv will work for you and what a difference it will make in your life. † Objection: â€Å"I'm driving and I cannot get to my card at the moment† we need to make this seem very miniscule Rebuttal: â€Å" I totally understand and honestly your calling off our radio add and 80% of our callers are calling in while driving, not a problem happens all the time. I'm willing to wait until you get to a safe spot or stop because I can tell your really interested and we can get that part done and it will take less then a minute† Then go on talking to the customer, if you have not received the address info do this first and take your time. If you have already took the address info then talk with the customer a little bit waiting 3 to 5 min is totally worth the sale Now not all of these rebuttals will work like magic and some of them you will have to do some improvising to tailor to your particular call. The key is not to give in until every option has been explored. Remember we want the customer to USE Proactiv and if it does not give them the results they are looking for then that is why we have the MBG. Let the customer know that the reason we have the MBG is because â€Å"We are so confident that this product will absolutely work for you that we just want to prove that and give you the clear healthy skin you deserve† Also after an objection the rebuttal should include some other values that have not previously been stated to entice the customer to buy instead of repeating what the customer has already heard. Ex. if the customer was already not aware that Proactiv is #1, its also great skin care system, they will always receive free gifts, mix and match, always have a MBG if that is a concern, able to get a hold of us 2 diff. ays to answer any questions and concerns, customizable accounts, free rush, upsells at $5 each, catalog has 25% discount off retail price,  Proactiv's Micro Crystals are exclusively with us, Proactiv was the first acne treatment with 3 steps â€Å"Combination Therapy† etc.. Some of these can be used in the presentation to boost confidence and sh ow great value before going into offer and also using the V/P/V (Value price Value) format. If we can do a great job with the presentation this will cut out some of those objections and make that price seem smaller, making an easy and quick sale.

Legalization is Not a Realistic Alternative to the War on...

Legalization is Not a Realistic Alternative to the War on Drugs For years, the issue of legalization has been an increasingly controversial subject. Millions of dollars are spent annually in the War on Drugs causing many to wonder if this fight is cost-effective or if an alternative such as legalization would be more realistic than current efforts in drug prevention. Opponents state that with legalization would come an increase not only in availability, but also with everything associated with that availability. This includes suffering of users and their loved ones, death of users and innocent alike, increases in health-care costs, cost to employers, drug-related crimes, and increases in various other social, economic, and emotional†¦show more content†¦The American experience with drugs at the end of the 19th century demonstrated the serious problems that can be caused by the general use of a wide range of legally available drugs. These problems were judged unacceptable by Americans of that day. Prohibition was the result of nonpartisan public outcry over the negative effects of unrestricted drug use. (Trebach 41-44) The most important question in regards to legalization is how it would affect use and abuse in this country. Advocates of legalization such as Steven Duke and Albert Gross argue that those who do not use under prohibition will not use under legalization. Duke is a law professor at Yale University, and Gross is a lawyer from San Diego, California. They are greatly respected advocates for legalization, their greatest fame stemming from their co-authored book, Americas Longest War. The key argument made by advocates Duke and Gross is that the major reasons why people desist from smoking and drinking - health, social stigma, morality, aesthetics - are also applicable to the drugs currently labeled illegal (120). Whether Americans choose to avoid recreational drugs in the first place or to quit using or abusing them is linked to the quality of their lives and their perceived prospects for a rewarding life without drug use or abuse. As Duke states, illegal-drug use has been reducedShow MoreRelated Drugs Essay1467 Words   |  6 Pagestypical politicians are afraid to address is that of what to do with the nation’s illegal drug problems. Although we hear terms like quot;The War on Drugsquot; and quot;Drug Treatmentquot;, a fresh approach to this issue is needs to come soon. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The country should take a new look at drug legalization as a solution to a problem that has been long out of control. Addiction and drug abuse are such â€Å"buzzwords† these days that a clarification is needed of what is meant byRead MoreThe War on Drugs: a Losing Battle?1626 Words   |  7 Pageswhen American soldiers came home from the Vietnam war addicted to heroin, President Richard Nixon initiated the War on Drugs. More than a decade later, President Ronald Reagan launches the South Florida Drug Task force, headed by then Vice-President George Bush, in response to the city of Miami’s demand for help. In 1981, Miami was the financial and import central for cocaine and Marijuana. Thanks to the task force, drug arrests went up by 27%, and drug seizures went up by 50%. With that, the need forRead MoreYoung Advocates International Advocate Basic Human Rights in Nigeria1538 Words   |  6 PagesInternational is a domestic human rights organiza tion based in Nigeria. It seeks to promote the basic tenets of the universal declaration of human rights (UDHR) through advocacy. 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Assault, property crime, racial and economicRead MoreEducation is the Best Weapon in the War on Drugs Essay1871 Words   |  8 PagesEducation is the Best Weapon in the War on Drugs It seems that in the ongoing debate over whether to legalize drugs in the United States, quite a few people feel that legalization would diminish the crime rate. Their argument points out that the permissible use of marijuana would eliminate the necessity for people to go into hard drug territories to purchase such a drug and maybe even deter them from trying narcotics like crack-cocaineRead MoreLegalizing Marijuana2983 Words   |  12 Pagesof marijuana has been a big topic for the past few years. The United States considers marijuana as a drug, in some other countries they say it is a natural herb that is grown from the ground. The issue at hand is â€Å"should marijuana be legalized?† the congress of the US stay in a constant debate on this subject. Why is the subject of marijuana such in high demand, if the US already considers it a drug? There are many facts that need to be looked at before a final decision ca n ever be made. In contrastRead MoreThe Legalization of Marijuana Essay2384 Words   |  10 PagesThe Legalization of Marijuana – A Compelling Case for a Misunderstood Plant Abstract The prohibition of marijuana has sparked heated debates for years about its effects on the human body, its medicinal properties, and its effect on society; just to name a few. Although many are against the legalization of marijuana, this paper will argue that the legalization of marijuana is warranted. It will prove this by weighing marijuana’s effects on the body when smoked against the effects on the bodyRead More Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Use Only Essay2360 Words   |  10 Pagesillegal drug in most states in the United States. Marijuana usage may have been common 20-30 years ago, but it really isn’t any longer. Judy Foreman states that a hardy band of activists seeking legislative approval of perennial bill that would bring Massachusetts in line with 34 other states in letting patients with certain conditions smoke marijuana (1). 2 What was known, as the â€Å"wicked weed† of the sixties can be good medicine . Marijuana certainly seems safer than may other drugs, even aspirinRead MoreLegalization of Marijuana for Medical Use Only Essay2489 Words   |  10 Pagesillegal drug in most states in the United States. Marijuana usage may have been common 20-30 years ago, but it really isnt any longer. Judy Foreman states that a hardy band of activists seeking legislative approval of perennial bill that would bring Massachusetts in line with 34 other states in letting patients with certain conditions smoke marijuana (1). 2 What was known, as the wicked weed of the sixties can be good medicine . Marijuana certainly seems safer than may other drugs, even aspirinRead MoreSelling Human Organs10012 Words   |  41 Pagestype of sale, but it is not an unreasonable exception. Narrow allowances for selling would have to ensure that the poor have other, genuine options in order to prevent exploitation. There would have to be safeguards to prevent things like bidding wars and organ markets which would cause problems with the general costs of transplantation. Finally, there would have to be sound measures to ensure that no one is pressured or tempted to allow others to die for the sake of cash. All of this would be