Brazil’s Supreme Court has agreed to hear cases in August on the legalization of abortion for babies with anencephaly and also, gay unions.

Current Brazilian law does not permit abortion in cases of anencephaly.  According to reports in the media, doctors, religious leaders and lawyers are expected to present arguments before the high court.  After the initial hearings, Justice Marco Aurelio Mello will rule on whether to bring the case before the entire court.

The court is expected to hear a case on gay unions during the second half of 2008.  The legalization of homosexual unions is being touted by the governor of Rio de Janeiro, Sergio Cabral.