RE: Why I Am Pro-Life
July 30, 2013 at 2:51 pm
(This post was last modified: July 30, 2013 at 2:51 pm by Slave.)
(July 30, 2013 at 2:27 pm)DeistPaladin Wrote:(July 30, 2013 at 2:04 pm)Slave Wrote: Based on what criteria would you classify this as not human, or more specifically not a human being?
I wouldn't. The classification of the species of what I'm looking at is irrelevant, for reasons already discussed in premise #4.
My question is does it have a function brain? Is there any reason to think it is self-aware, able to think, feel or experience pain?
By 20 weeks gestation no, a brain is present, however the ability to respond to external stimuli via the neocortex and not a reflex action of the spinal chord does not present itself until 23 weeks + and fetal awareness at 29 weeks or so. As far as functioning is concerned, I assume you mean functioning as in sentience as I detailed above?
Quote:You may have said and I may have missed it but can you tell me why?
Because when we talk about human rights, of which one I view to be the right to life, the level of development of the human brain is not a prerequisite (is not mentioned). It is simply if they are human. And since a human is a human from conception, they deserve the same rights as you and I do.