Brazil’s Federal Supreme Court voted Thursday in favor of research into embryonic cells in the country.

Embryonic stem cell research shows promising findings which could be used in curing Parkinson’s disease and diabetes, but, at the same time, it was a delicate matter for many ethical groups, which consider it violates the right to life by destroying living embryos.

This kind of research was first legalized in Brazil in 2005, the country becoming the first within Latin American countries to legalize embryonic stem cell research. However, two years later, Attorney General Claudio Fontellas argued the law was unconstitutional because it violated the right to life.

The Court’s ruling on Thursday was immediately followed by strong disapproval from the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops, which compared it to a death sentence, adding that it will “continue its work in favor of life,” Reuters reports.

Sustainers of embryonic stem cell research, including the government, say stem cells are the future of disease management, as they can regenerate damaged organs and treat diseases such as diabetes. President of the National Bar association, Cezar Britto called the ruling “historic” in a statement, adding, “It is a victory of knowledge over obscurantism.”
 
Japan, Australia, Canada and Spain number among the other 25 countries that approved embryonic stem cell research.