Human Life - When Does It Begin by Vito Tomasino

     When does human life begin? Is it the moment of conception, as pro-lifers believe,
the first heartbeat, or that point in its development when it can survive outside the womb?
Or is it not until the baby is outside the womb and breathing on its own—as some pro-
abortionists would have us believe? This is the single most important question to be
answered before we can engage in a reasoned dialogue regarding the rights of women
versus the rights of the unborn child, which many of us believe has as much right
to live as the mother. The question is, at what point in a woman’s pregnancy is that
life within her a viable human being?
      Those who believe that a woman has a right to choose what is best for her
health and well-being by aborting a pregnancy at any stage do so with a total
disregard for the rights of the unborn. Abortion laws in some states allow a
woman and her doctor to decide the fate of the child even after delivery; which
one could argue, is nothing less than consensual murder. And, if that were not
callus enough, the organs of the baby are often harvested and sold to the
highest bidder.
      No one questions a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her health. It
is, indeed, her body. Nonetheless, that other little body within her is not. Abortion
is not the same as removing a ruptured appendix, or even cutting off an arm. It
results in the termination of the life of another human being, one that has no
voice, nor means of defending itself.
      Most, if not all arguments for or against abortion ignore the fact that
half of the new life growing within the mother contain the genes of the father.
Should he not have a say in any decision regarding the life of their child? Even
if he forfeits his right and leaves it for the mother to decide, it still does not resolve
the unanswered question of when human life begins. No one can say with certainty
when that occurs, though many would argue that point in defense of, or opposition
to, abortion.
      Some pro-abortionists would abort a live, fully formed baby as late as delivery
if the mother and her doctor agree. Eight states and the District of Columbia have
enshrined that right into law. Most state laws ban late-term abortion, but allow
exceptions for the mental and psychological health, even the age of the mother.
      There are extenuating circumstances, such as in the case of rape or incest—
particularly where a minor is involved—or when the life of the mother is in jeopardy.
After careful deliberation of such cases abortion may be justified. In those cases where
the mother or father simply don’t want the responsibility of raising the child, adoption,
rather abortion is a far more humane option. There are thousands of childless couples
in America who would consider it a privilege to assume that responsibility.
      While eight states have codified the right to abortion up to the point of birth,
forty-two have not. This seems to indicate that most Americans (pro-lifers and
pro-abortionists alike) believe that, at some point in its development a fetus
is a viable human being with a right to live equal to the mother. Since neither
side can defend their position with indisputable facts the argument becomes moot,
and we are still left to ponder the question.
      Does life begin in the third trimester, the beginning of the first heartbeat, or
at the moment of conception? No one can say with certainty if any of these are
correct. Given that uncertainty, it would be prudent, certainly more compassionate,
to err in favor of life rather than death.
      If we believe in the sanctity of life we cannot kill a child simply because the
mother and/or father do not want it. Moreover, even if there are extenuating
circumstances to consider, any decision taken must be based on the assumption
that life begins at conception.