Abortion Should Be Considered A Human Being

foetus or an embryo, an infant or an adult, an old person, or one suffering from an incurable

Even though most people think the scientific terms, fetus or embryo, is talking about the cells or tissues, the terms really refer to the stages of development. This means that the fetus is not just a small piece of tissue, but a human life. “The beginning of a single human being from a biological viewpoint is a simple, straightforward matter—- the beginning is conception.” (Bowes).

When an embryo becomes a fetus at eight weeks, it is approximately 3 centimeters; by the time the fetus is considered full-term, he or she may be 50 centimeters (Brisbane 60). The fetal stage, that takes place during week 9 to birth, result in a whole bunch of changes. (Brisbane 61). During the fetal stage, all parts of the body mature, and the overall of the baby size increases. Although all of the organ systems were formed during embryonic development, they continue to develop and grow during the fetal stage as well. During the third month, the reproductive system becomes developed and the sex of the baby becomes apparent (Staff). For girls, the ovarian follicles begin to form and for boys the prostate gland. Throughout months four through six, the heartbeat grows stronger and other body systems become further developed (Brisbane 63). Features such as fingernails, hair, eyelashes and toenails form. During the period from seven months until birth, the fetus continues to develop, put on weight, and prepare for life outside the womb (Brisbane 64). The lungs begin to expand and contract, preparing the muscles for breathing (Brisbane 64). The time in which the baby is born is a very critical. In some situations, a baby can be born as early as 7 months. When a baby is born too early, his ar her organs are not usually fully formed. This can result in many complications and health problems. Including, If premature pregnancy is the case, the baby would need some intensive care in hospitals. If the baby survives the stages, at the end of the nine month of pregnancy the baby will turn to a head-down position to prepare for birth. If the baby is not in the head-down position and in breech position a cesarean section may be required, which can cause many more complications. If a baby passes all these crucial factors, it is guaranteed to be born

An important trait persons hold is being able to communicate and hold relations with others. The social aspect of being a person is one a fetus does not contain. They do not have the ability to communicate with anyone or anything and they can hold a relationship. “…because fetuses are neither rational nor possess the capacity to communicate in complex ways nor possess concept of self that continues through time, no fetus is a person” (Marquis). Being unable to have thought and self-awareness takes away the

The concept fetus is used to denote the unborn human from the end of the eighth week after conception to the moment of birth, as distinguished from the earlier embryo (the product of conception from implantation in the uterus through the eighth week of development). A fetus contains all the organs and has the basic human form. (Rand)

this time, the baby's heart is beating, major organs are formed and maturing, facial features are

• The fetus's shoulders, arms, buttocks or feet are leading the way through the birth canal.

organs and body parts of an unborn child is formed. There are many milestones in the miracle of

fetus have a heartbeat, but it also has a distinguishable face. To aid in the understanding of fetus

There is a missing stage which is the most important and it is the afterbirth stage, here the mother’s body detached and expelled the placenta, umbilical cord and other membranes.

86). During this stage, the neurological functions, heartbeat, gender, and facial features are more defined. In my opinion, I think this is a perfect example of why there is such debate in the rights of abortion. For some, the development of these major organs mark the definition of a human being. For others, they only see the length of time that has passed. In this sense, both sides of the argument gain perspective as to why their opposing viewpoint may support their beliefs. Perhaps if everyone understood the complexity of this process, the topic would be a more peaceful conversation.

When discussing this question, the term ‘viability’ is often proposed when a question regarding the personhood arises. Viability is the stage the stage of pregnancy that recognises when the foetus can survive birth and exist independent of its mother. This used to be referred to as quickening, when the mother first felt the movements of the unborn foetus. However, this first movement feeling has no connection to viability today.

My journey at the woman’s hospital started off with me changing into a comfortable and fashionable pair of black scrubs. Once I was changes I was lead into a Cesarean section. The first step of this is to administer an epidural to the patient’s spine, which interestingly, is comprised of a predetermined amount based off of height rather than weight. This is because the height, and length of the spinal cord, is not determined by weight. After the patient is numbed, they make a cut near the bottom of the abdomen. After they cut through the skin, fat, and muscle tissue they reached the uterus. When the uterus was exposed, the surgeon carefully cut it open in small, brush like, strokes in order to avoid cutting the baby. Once the baby was exposed, a suction device was placed into the uterus and attached onto the baby’s head, where a suction force was applied. With the suction cup in place, the babies head was pulled past the wall of the uterus and the skin until it was exposed to air. At this point, the suction cup was removed and the baby was pulled out by it’s head. After the baby was removed and placed in a separate bed where it’s vitals can be monitored, the focus was placed back on the mother, who had been awake throughout all of the previous steps to report perceived problems. They began to tie her tubes, which she had requested

After fertilization (in the fallopian tube), the zygote transforms into a group of cells that multiply rapidly. Then it moves towards the uterus, develops into a blastocyst, attaches into the uterine wall and differentiate into three layers (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm), that will give a beginning to all tissues and organs. The embryo forms embryonic membranes (yolk sac, amnion, chorion and allantois), which help to protect the embryo. The placenta begins to develop (from embryos chorion and a part of mother’s endometrium), which will transfer nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the baby, and waste products from the baby, will produce and secrete hormones, and it will be in charge of immunologic barrier. The placenta is connected to the foetus by the umbilical cord. Backbone, vertebral, the central nervous system, and small protrusions (future legs and arms) develop. Heart and blood cells are formed (circulation begins). At the end of this month, the embryo is around 6-7mm long. During the second month, small protrusions transform into arms and legs. Fingers, toes, and eyes develop (become apart and eyelids are fused). Fundamental blood vessels, sensory, internal organs and digestive tract are formed. Neural tube development is well progressed and the ossification begins. By the end of the second month, the baby, now a foetus, is about 3 cm long, weighs about 1g. During the third month the foetus fully develops its feet, toes, arms, hands and fingers, it can

Beep. Beep. Beep. The monitor sings its continuous tone and the anesthesiologist gives you a nod, signaling you can begin. You take a deep breath before looking to the scrub nurse, “10-blade.” She hands you the knife, and you begin the incision, but the patent you are cutting is not the one you are saving. Instead, you are saving her baby. The surgery you are performing is called prenatal surgery, but what exactly is that? How is it done? How did it begin? What are some things it solves? Keep reading to find out.