Stem Cell Verdict Out – Legislation Approved By Brazilian SC

In a verdict that was expected to tilt the balance on either sides, the Supreme Court of Brazil has finally voted in favour of conducting embryonic stem cell research in the country, authorising it and at the same time paving way for new advancements in the field.

The decision came yesterday, putting an end to the suspense concerning the voting of judges. Out of 11 judges, 8 had voted earlier and 3 were left. When the final decision was out, it was found that 6 judges upheld the 2005 law authorising embryonic stem cell research in the country. Whereas the other five considered the legislation constitutional but indicated also that it should be carried out with restrictions.

This law was previously declared unconstitutional, in 2005 itself by the then Attorney General Claudio Fontelles as it violated the right to life. However the same embryonic stem cell research, which holds the promise of curing Parkinson's disease and diabetes but raises ethical concerns about the limits on human life.

Brazil being the world’s largest Roman Catholic nation drew harsh responses from the church regarding the decision.

Regretting the ruling the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops issued a statement saying it, "is not a matter of religion, but of the defence of human life, beginning with conception." The conference considered the ruling to be a death sentence.

The research work which was in the docks for a long time is now expected to gain momentum. The scientists expect the research to help them find new cures for Parkinson’s disease, Diabetes 1 and certain other cardiovascular ailments using stem cells from in-vitro fertilised embryos, frozen for at least three years.