When Life Begins...
Before you hold a position or belief about abortion, embryonic stem cell research or any other issue related to the creation of life, you must determine when you believe life begins. Once you find an answer to this question, everything else falls into line.
So let's look at the theories and help you find your personal belief about when life begins. |
Genetic View
Conception
Life begins when the sperm and the ovum are united.
During fertilization, the genes originating from two sources combine to form a single individual with a different and unique set of genes. This process takes up to 48 hours.
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Embyrological View
14 days
Life begins at gastrulation -- the point at which a developing embryo forms distinct layers that grow into different organs.
Embryos are capabable of splitting into twins as late as 12 days after fertilization resulting in separate individuals. Gastrulation commences when the zygote, now called an embryo, implants into the uterus.
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Neurological View
6-24 weeks
Life begins when the brain produces measurable waves.
Death is marked by the loss of the pattern produced by a cerebral electroencephalogram (EEG). If life and death are based upon the same standard of measurement, then the beginning of human life would be recognized when a fetus acquires a recognizable EEG pattern. There is much disagreement about when this occurs. |
Ecological View
25-27 weeks
Life begins when the fetus can survive outside the uterus. Viability is generally determined by the sufficient maturation of the lungs. With modern medicine, a premature baby can breathe outside of the womb as early as 25 weeks after conception.
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Birth View
7-9 months
Life begins at birth. When the fetus emerges and separates from the body of the mother, whether naturally or surgically, a child is born. This typically occurs at 9 months, but frequently occurs several weeks early. |
