Issue Watch
Track global public opinion on current issues.
- 2008: Race for the White House
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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Wide Support for Stem-Cell Research in Brazil
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The vast majority of people in Brazil are in favour of utilizing embryonic stem cells for scientific purposes, according to a poll by Ibope. 75 per cent of respondents completely support this practice.
There are three different types of human stem cells. Some of them come from embryos left over from in-vitro fertilization, which are habitually destroyed. These cells can develop into various tissues in the human body. Some scientists believe the research could be useful in the creation of new organs and in the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
In 2005, then-Brazilian attorney general Claudio Fontelles asked Brazil’s Supreme Court to issue a ruling on embryonic stem cell research. Fontelles argued against a law that sought to allow research using embryos that have been frozen for at least three years, claiming it is unconstitutional and violates the right to life.
Current attorney general Antonio Fernando Souza also believes embryonic stem cell research should be banned in Brazil, because the process involves destroying embryos.
On Mar. 4, Bernard Siegel, the executive director of the Florida-based Genetic Policy Institute commented on the expected ruling in Brazil, saying, "Brazil has the potential to be a significant leader in this field. And if the Supreme Court decides to allow this kind of research, then Brazil will become the Latin American leader in this field."
On Mar. 5, Brazil’s Supreme Court postponed its decision on the case after one of the judges asked for more time to assess the issue.
Polling Data
Do you support or oppose the scientific use of embryonic stem cells?
|
Completely support |
75% |
|
Partially support |
20% |
|
Oppose |
5% |
Source: Ibope
Methodology: Interviews with 1,863 Brazilian adults, conducted from Jan. 24 to Jan. 29, 2008. Margin of error is 2.4 per cent.