Health Policy Analysis

In actuality, the stem cell research is one of the most debatable issues in the contemporary health care system and society. The modern science has already made a tremendous progress in the development of stem cell research. Today, the stem cell research has both proponents and opponents. To understand the essence of the problem, it is possible to apply John W. Kingdon’s model, which can reveal not only the essence of the problem but also current policies conducted in regard to this problem.

The stream of problems can help to reveal the essence of the problem. In addition, the further stem cell research can open wider opportunities for the development of new, effective methods of treatment of many diseases, including those, which used to be considered being incurable. On the other hand, the stem cell research raises the heat debate because it contradicts to existing ethical norms and principles. In such a situation, the stem cell research still cannot progress because of the existing opposition within the society.

The second step in the model is the stream of policies, which helps to understand possible options and policies conducted at the moment or which may be conducted in the future. In this regard, it is worth mentioning the fact that there are two major options concerning the further development of the stem cell research. On the one hand, the stem cell research will carry on and the government will eliminate any limitations and ban on the stem cell research. In such a way, the stem cell research will continue and scientists and modern health care system will be able to use the full potential of the stem cell research. To put it more precisely, new methods of treatment of different diseases may emerge due to the development of the stem cell research. Existing methods of treatment may become more effective due to the use of new technologies developed on the ground of the stem cell research.
On the other hand, the opponents of the stem cell research insist on the opposite policies being conducted by the government. To put it more precisely, they insist on the total ban of the stem cell research. In such a way, they expect to solve the problem of the stem cell research and related ethical issues. Obviously, this policy leads to the end of the stem cell research and legal ban of any scientific researches in this field.

In actuality, it is possible to distinguish an alternative policy, which may potentially close the gap between opponents and proponents of the stem cell research but still this policy fails to solve the problem. In fact, this policy is the introduction of limitations on stem cell research. For instance, it is possible to ban conducting stem cell research in relation to humans and, instead, conduct stem cell researches involving animals. However, this policy does not solve the problem and does not satisfy opponents and proponents of stem cell research.

At the stream of politics stage, the problem of stem cell research often arises in the course of elections. For instance, Presidential elections in the US in 2004 and partially 2008 involved this issue. However, the debate over the stem cell research by the authorities decreased after the end of elections and the problem remained unresolved.

Works Cited
Benoff, M., & Grauman, D. M. (1997). Mastering the physician integration challenge. Healthcare Financial Management. Westchester.
Duin, J. (1999, July). “Reckless reproduction?” Insight on the News 15 (26), 41.



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