When does life begin

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The controversy regarding the use of embryonic stem cells in scientific research is on the agenda in Brazil. Last Wednesday, the 5th, the Federal Supreme Court (STF), the highest body of the Judiciary in the country, began the trial of the “ Direct Action of Unconstitutionality nº 3510-0/600 ”, which has an opinion authored by the former Attorney General of the Republic Cláudio Lemos Fonteneles, from 2005.

The intention is to judge whether the use of embryonic stem Special Data cells proposed by the Biosafety Law does not violate the Federal Constitution. Furthermore, Fonteneles' opinion calls into question the fundamental question for the use of these embryos: When does human life begin for legal purposes: After implantation of the embryo in the mother's uterus or after birth?

History

The Biosafety Law regulates the production and commercialization of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the use of embryonic stem cells for research and therapy purposes. It was sent to Congress in 2003 and approved in 2004, but underwent modifications in 2005, with the inclusion of the use of embryonic stem cells for research and the expansion of powers of CTNBio – National Technical Commission for Biosafety.

Research in Brazil

Currently, here in Brazil, stem cells taken from bone marrow and umbilical cords are used. What scientists say is that the potential of these stem cells is limited, as they only originate some tissues in the body.



Who is against research?

The allegation of Fonteneles and also of the Catholic Church is that the embryo (even if it is frozen) is protected by article 5 of the Constitution which governs the “inviolability of the right to life” (this is an enduring clause , which cannot be modified even by constitutional amendment). Catholics argue that life begins at conception.

Furthermore, the anti-research movement believes that the release of embryonic stem cell research could lead to the creation of a black market for embryo trading, where poor women would be encouraged to ovulate in large quantities and clandestinely sell their embryos for research.