title: [Biotechnology and relevant aspects of the New Biosafety law].
abstract: On 24 March 2005, the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil approved the New Law on Biosecurity. This law has very diverse aspects, ranging from the genetically modified organisms to the genetic manipulation of human embryos or the liberalisation of the transgenic soy crops during 2004-2005. This article tries to analyse and criticise the content of the law, highlighting the genetic research and experimentation, the GMOs and their effect in the environment and the criminal responsibility derived from such actions. Likewise, it leaves rooms for the reader to reach his/her own conclusions. The author poses the moral dilemma on whether it is legitimate to make governmental decisions solely taking into account the economic and political interests, leaving aside the opinion of society.
authors.affiliation: Universidad Católica de la provincia de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, República Federativa de Brasil.
authors.forename: Bruno Torquato de Oliveira
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Naves
authors.forename: María de Fatíma
authors.initials: Mde F
authors.lastname: Freire de Sá
mesh_terms: D001709:Biotechnology / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D001938:Brazil; D006801:Humans; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D012449:Safety / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012941:Social Responsibility; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence