STF start of life disputes: in defense of human embryo fetus rights

Abstract

This article analyzes two public controversies in the supreme court related to “defense of human life”. The first one concerns the liberation of researches using embryonic stem cells and the second about the possibility of birth anticipation of anencephalic fetus. The defense of human life from the moment of conception is the argument that organizes the groups against these two actions. This article observes how the agents involved in these disputes sought to intervene in the decision-making process, analyzing their alliances and their justification repertoires, and demonstrating how the elements of the sciences, of the rights and of the modern individualism are present in the justifications of the groups.