AMERICA/BRAZIL - “Human life is of sacred and inviolable value: any exception tends to consider it a good at our disposal, which can be negotiated, wounded, destroyed”: President of Brazilian Bishops’ Conference comments on Bio-Ethics Bill being discussed by parliament

Brasilia (Fides Service) - Cardinal Geraldo Majella Agnelo, Archbishop San Salvador de Bahia and President of the Brazilian Bishops’ Conference, in an interview with the local press with regard to a proposed Bill on Bio-Ethics being discussed by the Brazilian parliament affirmed “human life is of sacred and inviolable value”. Nevertheless “when there is an exception to this rule, human life is considered, a good at man’s disposal, which can be negotiated, wounded, destroyed according to the dominant interests”. The approval of a law which attacks life, allowing the use of embryos for the use of stem cells will not only consequently destroy a great quantity of human lives at the initial stage when life is most vulnerable and unprotected, but will also promote a mentality which is spreading and penetrating daily life: “all will learn that life can be destroyed if it leads to some advantage”. “Human embryos are not biological material, as some claim, a group of cells, an object of social utility and commercial value” the Cardinal reiterated.
Western civilisation was born of respect for life as a sacred good, not subject to the power of the human being. “The protection of life vulnerable or in danger - Cardinal Majella said - forged harmony in western societies giving origin to admirable heroic acts”. The Cardinal then said with concern that in Brazil “human life is reduced to an object or merchandise, also on the level of legislation”. When asked about research on stem cells, Cardinal Geraldo Majella Agnelo, in line with the Magisterium, affirmed “the Church has great esteem for scientific research and looks with great hope to the contribution it can offer to alleviate suffering and improve quality of life for many people”. Nevertheless “the elimination of a human being to use the body or part of it, even for research to cure illness, is inadmissible”.
At this extremely delicate moment the President of CNBB urged Christian politicians to give a reason for their choice, so that people will not say that one option is born of reason and another of faith: “This is an imposition not to tackle discussions and not submit oneself to rational dialogue”. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 11/3/2005; righe 27; parole 392)