This article presents a brief review of anencephalia, a serious fetal defect of the central nervous system, from a bioethical point of view, founded on knowledge in modern embryology and cell biology. This issue has been the subject of much heated debate in many sectors of Brazilian society, as it touches on the question of abortion, religious beliefs and women's rights, regarding the woman's decision to continue an anencephalic pregnancy or not.
Abortion; Brain death; Anencephaly