At what age is a fetus considered alive?

Question

please, no republican nonsense about how it is alive at implantation or fertilization. fellow liberals, please provide sources.

sherri 25: i seek liberal views because i know what i'll get from republicans: it's alive as soon as the egg is fertilized. nothing new.

Answer 1

Nobody really knows this, that is why there is such a large debate on how exactly to handle abortion. My personal view is after 3 months, (second trimester), it is "alive".

But there is a point called viability, which is when the child is able to survive outside of the mother, which is approx. 22 weeks into the pregnancy, although the numbers differ depending on the sources.

Any later than that is really pretty much murder and very dangerous for the mother. Even the most liberal countries in Europe do not allow "abortion" of a child after that long. They call this "partial-birth abortion" and "late-term abortion".

Answer 2

It depends upon the state in which you live. In South Dakota it is alive from the moment of conception. In Arkansas, it is alive from 12 weeks on. Interestingly, the common law rule is that a fetus is not alive until it is naturally birthed (C-sections are purposely excluded) by the mother. Contrary to the common beliefs that are posted to this question, all states have some definition of when a fetus is considered a life. Usually this is for the purpose of clarifying what is and is not murder, battery, abuse, neglect, etc.

Answer 3

In many states, 2nd and certainly 3rd trimester abortions are not legal due to the advanced development of the fetus. It has no legal standing for protection under the law until it is delivered alive and viable, separated from the mother's body.

Answer 4

to say there is a legal age, well then no. many states have laws against third trimester abortions. one of the decision of the Supreme court could not rule on when life starts. but if death is the opposite of life, then we know that death comes at the time the heart stops. people who are brain dead have lived for many years. a child's heart starts within 7 days of conception.

Answer 5

Just curious, why do you only seek liberal views? If you're in search of the truth, then why from only one point of view? One point of view would only limit you in your search if not keep you from it all together. God said, "I knew you before you were conceived." If that doesn't make sense, then you might want to expand your search sources. And no, I'm not a Republican.

Answer 6

There is no real answer to that question as it is matter of opinion. Fetal heartbeats can be detected late first trimester. But then again if you cannot breath on your own how can you be considered a self contained human being.

Answer 7

When its blood starts to course through its viens.
God also said the life is in the blood.