Science and politics in the regulation of human embryonic stem-cell research in Brazil

Bibliographic Data

ID3063181
AuthorsMaya Mitre (0000-0002-2603-9697, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais), Bruno P W Reis (0000-0003-1848-8756, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais)
Year2015
Volume54
Issue1
Pages3-22
Publication date2015-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Science Information (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0539-0184 • E-ISSN: 1461-7412
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0539018414554729
OpenAlexW2111133930
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited9

This case study deals with the regulation of human embryonic stem-cell (hESC) research in Brazil. It aims to analyze the process that led to the authorization, in 2005, of the use of stem cells obtained from so-called supernumerary embryos for purposes of research and therapy. We argue that the pro-research lobby in Brazil had considerable success because it framed the issue by referring to Brazil's peculiar policy background in the fields of assisted reproduction and embryo research. Moreover, this group of actors strategically avoided associating hESC research with abortion, highlighting the humanitarian aspects of this kind of research, rather than the motto of freedom of scientific research. Finally, it was able to rely on the judgment of a fairly progressive Supreme Court, which was also sensitive to public opinion at a time of 'court activism' or the 'judicialization of politics' in Brazil

Abortion · Biology · Embryonic stem cell · Law and economics · Political science · Politics · Public opinion · Sociology · Stem cell · Supreme court · Law · Reproductive Health and Technologies · Cell Biology

Tools

Open DOISci-Hub