When is a human a human?

Question

Since the age of 'viability' is fluid (it keeps getting earlier based on improvements in technology) ability to live outside of the womb can't be the determination of when a fetus is actually considered a human.

So, when does a fetus become a human?

Perhaps I should include the question, "And at what point in development do you believe abortions should not be allowed."

I would imagine everyone who has responded "At Conception" would say abortions should not be allowed at all.

Anyone else?

It appears that we've had very few answers by those who would support abortion. I wonder why.

Answer 1

I'd say probably about 10-18 weeks after conception. At some point the developing embryo develops enough of a nervous system to begin having experiences - to stop being a thing, and to become a conscious entity.

I'd like to believe that we're capable of having an honest discussion about this, since it obviously has significant implications for a number of moral issues and public policy decisions. Unfortunately, the antiabortion movement seems to have undermined our ability to have this kind of discussion with the propaganda aimed at getting people to mindlessly recite the "it's a human being from conception" line, and worse, the use of the false notion of a "soul" to support what is obviously a wrong answer.

Answer 2

I would say it is always human. I'm not religious so intelligence and consciousness is what I would base ideas on abortion on though.

During the first 12 weeks is when I would say Abortions are still ethical but the earlier the better. After that its not too ethical but until about 20 weeks it's not bad to the point that it should not necessarily be legal. (After 20 weeks or so not so much on legality though)

To the asker I should really note that the question I proposed that you linked me to this one from was a theoretical example that I didn't believe in. All my comments on it were prompts and not opinions. I made that question to get peoples opinions on an interesting idea, not to state my opinion.

Answer 3

It goes like this:

Mr. Sperm meets Miss Egg. Mr. Sperm penetrates Miss Egg. All other sperm are sent to never-never and die.

The chromosomes of Mr. Sperm and Miss Egg unspiral. Then they stand around looking at each other. They trade gene complexes back and forth until every chromosome is happy with its package. This is called the meiotic dance. When it's done the two sets of chromosomes line up, one set on either side of the egg. The egg splits down the middle. One half is a nobody going nowhere called the polar body. It slides away into oblivion. The remaining cell is a brand-spanking, shiny, new human being with its own complete genetic package, unique to itself.

At this point the only biological difference between that cell and a fully grown adult specimen is the number of cells; one for the former, trillions for the latter. Each cell contains the same genetic package as the original single cell (barring mutations during gestation).

When you have a unique being whose genetic heritage is human you have a human being, irrespective of "movement" or number of cells. It's the genes that make you human and when you've got your own set, you're human.

And for the religious, that's the logical time for God to "Zap" an immortal soul into that unique, genetic package to make it His child.

Answer 4

at conception.
It is a HUMAN fetus. It is never going to be anything other than human. we all started out the same way. from conception to death. it's not as if when the mother has the baby she is going to be surprised when it comes out a puppy.
The course of human life for all humans is from conception to death. It wouldn't make any sense for a pre-born human baby to be anything other than human.
EDIT: correct. It would be immoral to kill a human, at any stage, which is what a fetus is.

Answer 5

When an ova and spermatazoa join with a genetic combination capable of sustaining the metabolic processes associated with being human, within various necessary parameters.

Roughly: At conception.

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Paul S:

I don't believe in souls or any holy books. I am an atheist after all. Based purely on medical facts that can be verified in any basic text on human reproduction, I consider conception to be when human life starts.

It doesn't take religion to be Pro-Life.

Answer 6

a fetus from 1 to 2 months is still a blood clot and when he/she is considered human is when he/she reached the age of 3 months or around 100 to120 days, around this age his/ her life has started

Answer 7

At the moment of conception-period

Answer 8

from the moment of conception

Answer 9

When it starts paying taxes? lol

when god gives it a soul!!

Answer 10

When God puts the soul in him