The advent of stem cell research in the 21st century has become the center of ethical criticism, but considered as an achievement among medical professionals. One of the existing treatments utilizing stem cell therapy is bone marrow transplant, which is the treatment administered among Leukemia patients.
In this study, the discussion analyzes the (1) global competition on health care policy between United States and United Kingdom, (2) effects of the issue on health care economy and medical alternatives and (3) the issues involving licensing and liability.
Treating different kinds of disorders, such as cancer, neuropathy, etc, now use the innovative medical procedure, stem cell transplant or therapy, while other stem cell areas (e. g. brain therapy through cerebral stem cell transplant for Parkinson’s disease, etc) are now being studied for potential applications. Considering the focus of the health issue, bone marrow transplant involves the process of stem cell cultivation and relocation in order to treat specific bone marrow-related cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma and neuroblastoma (Sullivan, 2004 p.
12). Bone marrow transplant requires an appropriate donor (family members or compatible non-related – allogenic transplantation), and can be very risky for both donor and receiver. According to Ong (2001), bone marrow transplantation occurs in approximately 20,000 cases annually and globally (p. 487). Health care policies, costs, and professional and legal considerations are the important considerations in discussing the rising issue on stem cell application.