Reported May 28, 2008
Brasilia - Brazil’s Supreme Court is expected to
decide on Wednesday whether to uphold legislation that allows research on
embryonic stem cells in the world’s largest Roman Catholic country.
In 2005, Brazil became the first Latin American country to legalize research
with embryonic stem cells and is the only country in the region conducting
such research, but the issue has been highly divisive.
Several church groups oppose the research, saying it is unethical and
destroys living embryos, while supporters including the government say stem
cells offer the potential to regenerate damaged organs and treat diseases
such as diabetes.
Scientists complain that most new research has been on hold since 2005 when
the country’s chief public prosecutor questioned the biotechnology law
before the Supreme Court.
“Brazil has big scientific potential in this area but we’ve fallen behind
because of this legal instability,” Debora Diniz, director of the
International Association of Bioethics, told Reuters.
The legislation permits research on stem cells drawn from embryos frozen for
at least three years and considered unsuitable for human reproduction. These
embryos would eventually be discarded, the Health Ministry said.
After days of protests and intense public debate, Supreme Court judges began
reading their arguments and voting early on Wednesday.
The case stirred so much public interest that the country’s highest court
held its first public hearing to obtain testimony from experts and leaders
from civil society.
“Destroying, manipulating an embryo like an object to use the special powers
of its cells, isn’t much different from selling children to use their organs
for sick people,” the Brazilian Conference of Bishops said.
The government has financed research using stem cells drawn from embryos, as
well as spinal and umbilical cords.
Around 25 countries, including Japan, Australia, and Canada have approved
embryonic stem cell research, according to Brazil’s Health Ministry.
Spain, another major Catholic country, allowed embryonic stem cell research
in 2004, according to the ministry.
Source : www.msnbc.com
