Brazilian supreme court rules to approve embryonic stem cell research

Brazil's Federal Supreme Court Thursday ruled to uphold a 2005 law allowing research into embryonic stem cells in the country.

The ruling rejected a petition by a group of congress members who questioned the legitimacy of the law and the research.

Among all of the 11 judges, six voted to uphold the law, while the remaining five, although admitting the law is constitutional, argued certain restrictions should be imposed on the research to address the public's ethical concerns.

While some local media described the ruling as "historical," it immediately drew criticism from the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops.

However, a group of physically-disabled people, who awaited the decision in Brasilia, joyfully celebrated the court decision in front of the court's headquarters as the research into embryo stem cells brings them hopes of recovery.

Source from XINHUA NEWS