Something to Think About: When does a Fetus Become a Person?
This is a tough subject amoung the pro-life and pro-choice community.It is the basis of argument between the two communites. When does a fetus actually become a person and who has the right to decide if it is or is not a person? At conception? After the first trimester? Or only when it is outside of the womb?
Here is a list of the fetal development in a pregnancy:
Week 5: By this time the fetus has developed a brain, circulatory system and
heartbeat
Week 9: Limbs, eyes and the outer parts of the ear are developing
Week 10: Defined facial features, nails and fingerprints
Week 14: The fetus is able to make facial expressions
Week 15: Cartilage begins to form into bone and is able to suck thumb and
hear
Week 18: The mother is able to feel the baby's movements
Week 21: The baby can feel touch
Week 23: The baby is able to swallow
Week 24: The baby is now able to survive outside of the womb with medical
care
Week 28: The baby's eyelids are opening and it is able to see light
Should a pregnancy be allowed to be terminated for any reason at any point in the pregnancy? What makes a person a person? Should there be more or less restrictions on when an abortion is allowed? Should they only be allowed during certain circumstances such as rape or serious risk to the mother? These are all questions that are asked when considering the pro-choice and pro-life views.
Here is a list of the fetal development in a pregnancy:
Week 5: By this time the fetus has developed a brain, circulatory system and
heartbeat
Week 9: Limbs, eyes and the outer parts of the ear are developing
Week 10: Defined facial features, nails and fingerprints
Week 14: The fetus is able to make facial expressions
Week 15: Cartilage begins to form into bone and is able to suck thumb and
hear
Week 18: The mother is able to feel the baby's movements
Week 21: The baby can feel touch
Week 23: The baby is able to swallow
Week 24: The baby is now able to survive outside of the womb with medical
care
Week 28: The baby's eyelids are opening and it is able to see light
Should a pregnancy be allowed to be terminated for any reason at any point in the pregnancy? What makes a person a person? Should there be more or less restrictions on when an abortion is allowed? Should they only be allowed during certain circumstances such as rape or serious risk to the mother? These are all questions that are asked when considering the pro-choice and pro-life views.