When does Human Life Begin?

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the question of when human life begins. The author argues that life does not begin at conception, but rather during the third trimester of pregnancy. Current research is used to reinforce these beliefs. The author further contends that since fetuses cannot feel, react, nor function outside of the womb, they are not autonomous humans, capable of body function, some form of thought, and communication. It is these functions, it is argued, which truly define a human life.

From the Paper:

"According to Mary Ann Warren, there are two senses of being human. First, there is a genetic human, or one that holds the genetic makeup of a human. Secondly, there is a human that is a person, and thus has rights by morality. Warren believes that being a genetic human is not equal to being a person, and that those with only a sense of genetic humanity cannot be said to have "life". To be a person, Warren argues, a genetic person must be conscious of objects, events, or internal conditions, particularly in terms of pain sensation, must be able to develop reason, must be able to achieve self-motivated behaviors, independent of genetic or external control, must be able to communicate in some way, and must be self-aware (Warren, 223). Warren's point, then, is that life begins at the point where the genetic human becomes a person that is capable of feelings, thinking, reasoning, and communicating. Thus, life begins far after conception."

More papers on When does Human Life Begin?:

• Comparison Essay # 4287 : "Abortion: When Does Life Begin?"
• Essay # 107644 : "Ancient Cultures and Human Life"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: