You have read “The Bizarre Quest for Artificial Blood” and “Blood: There Is No Substitute,” two texts about artificial blood. Write an essay that argues whether or not artificial blood should be considered as an approach to providing blood to patients in need. Using details from both texts, describe the challenges and benefits of artificial blood.
Artificial blood has been a topic of interest and research for years, as it has the potential to revolutionize the way we provide blood to patients in need. The two texts, “The Bizarre Quest for Artificial Blood” and “Blood: There Is No Substitute,” present differing perspectives on the topic. While artificial blood has its challenges, such as safety concerns and ethical considerations, it also offers numerous benefits, like increased availability and the ability to be stored for extended periods.
One of the main challenges presented in the texts is the safety of artificial blood. “The Bizarre Quest for Artificial Blood” discusses how previous attempts at creating artificial blood have ended in tragedy, with patients suffering severe reactions and even death. This highlights the importance of extensive testing and research to ensure that artificial blood is safe for use in patients.
Another challenge is the ethical considerations surrounding artificial blood. “Blood: There Is No Substitute” raises concerns about the commodification of human blood and the potential for exploitation of vulnerable populations. These ethical dilemmas must be carefully considered before moving forward with the widespread use of artificial blood.
Despite these challenges, artificial blood also offers numerous benefits. One of the main benefits is increased availability. “The Bizarre Quest for Artificial Blood” explains how artificial blood can be produced in large quantities, unlike human blood which is always in demand and often in short supply. This increased availability could save countless lives, especially in emergency situations where time is of the essence.
Additionally, artificial blood has the potential to be stored for extended periods of time, unlike human blood which has a short shelf life. This would allow hospitals and medical facilities to keep a supply of artificial blood on hand, ready to use when needed. This could be particularly beneficial in remote areas or during natural disasters when access to blood banks may be limited.
In conclusion, artificial blood should be considered as an approach to providing blood to patients in need, despite the challenges it presents. The safety concerns and ethical considerations can be addressed through rigorous testing and careful regulation. The benefits of increased availability and extended storage capabilities make artificial blood a promising solution to the constant demand for blood donations. With further research and development, artificial blood could ultimately save countless lives and improve healthcare outcomes for patients in need.