Question for religious pro-life advocates?

Question

Hi folks. Just wanted to ask something. At what point do the component gametes become things that ineffably deserve a chance of life, to the point where they're supposed to be "children of God" (as I've recently had it described to me? Is it at conception? I'm just wondering, because a just conceived zygote couldn't survive birth, and surely at most is a POTENTIAL "child of God"...right? But on that logic, every sperm and every egg are also potential children of God, surely? Does that mean that every sperm and egg that is not fertilised and carried to full term go to Heaven?

If not, then what's the alternative? That the "container" of life, the physical body, begins to be made before it's invested with the spark of life? If so, then surely there should be a logical point before which termination is just getting rid of physical, and not spiritually sacrosanct, cells?

Or is the argument that God takes a personal stake in which sperm and eggs get to become human beings?

Thanks.

Soooo we're supposed to give equal weight and rights to a bunch of cells that might, if nurtured and birthed, be an undeniable living reality, as we do to fully-formed human beings? Is that the idea here?

Answer 1

No, it is not a matter of "potential"...
For yes, every sperm and egg have the "potential" to be become part of the "container" or "vessel" of life, the physical body.
Not only that, every protein and sugar that we eat has the "potential" to be digested, processed, and formed into a sperm or egg.
So, it has nothing to do with "potential".

Nor is it a matter of an ability to "survive at birth."
For a baby born at even 26 weeks *could* survive nowadays in the U.S. with intensive medical care, though a baby born that young in most other parts of the world wouldn't stand a chance. And 20 years ago, this baby wouldn't have stood a chance even in the U.S. Does this mean God has "changed His mind" about when life starts? No.

Not only that, even a fullterm baby born cannot "survive" all by itself...but requires the assistance of other humans.

So, no...it is not a matter merely of "potential", and nor is it a matter of "survivability".

When the egg and sperm come together, a zygote is formed. At this point, there is no heartbeat, there is no brainwave activity, there are no "senses". When and how exactly the "soul" is "deposited", so to speak, is a mystery that only God knows...

But the termination of any "pregnancy", no matter how early it is...constitutes an abortion, and is morally wrong...and sinful in the eyes of God, who is holy.

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Answer 2

Hello, please try cleaning your blackboard before you write this down; I believe it is too much chalk there on the board that all your math would come up with cloudy answers. Woo! what you said is a mouthfull, spit it out and rinse your mouth out because of a bad acidy taste is probally still there. KNOW THIS......when an egg is fertilized ,( when the sperm makes its way onto an egg) there is LIFE (CONCEPTION). Try going to an I-MAX theater so, you can get the 3-D effect of real life. The I-MAX theaters have the best panaramic view of the whole conception! It is absolutely wonderful, and is not just for children, because the special effects are brilliant! Anyway, it would enlighten you and you will wittness the miracle of conception. You can bring your children to this viewing because it is done in such a classy way. Not cheesey! ...At the time of conception there is a soul created at the very same moment. It depends on the mother going full term or not on whether the babie will survive. Back in the 70's, babies born prematurely would have a very poor prognosis, in fact if they lived a full life: They would most likely not survive long or would come home with insurmountable health problims, and have developmental delays compared to other/ fullterm babies. Now, in this day and time, with our technology efforts in birthing and delivery. Babies are stronger now.......For example, one of my neighbor's daughter went into premature labor about 2-years ago when she was scared by a car accident with 4- other drivers. Her baby went into fetal distress and had to be delivered by emergency C-section. She was 4-months pregnant. The doctor's report said that this baby would not survive, or would have severe disabilities.That little boy is now 2-years old, walking and talking , and is in the process of being potty-trained! God was in the misdt of our prayers and answered, now this little boy show no sign of premature birth or developmental delay! Praise God! Somethings are just beyond our understanding, so you must pray for understanding, so that God may give it to you. You will be Blessed!...Sorry, in answer to your last question, an unfertilized egg is not a child in early form because the sperm did not find a way in.......therefore, it does not have a soul yet and will not make it to heaven.

Answer 3

Biology 101 - Both the sperm and egg contain only 13 chromosomes. Thus, neither is "part" of the host body. In fact, both bodies immune systems treat these as foreign, and attempt to eradicate them.

The sperm is only "safe" while in the scrotum, and the egg is only "safe" once it is fertilized.

So, the questions is thrown back into the laps of the pro-choice people, How can abortion be justified, since the un-fertilized egg, the sperm, and finally the fertilized egg are not part of the female anatomy?

Life in a fetus (brain-wave activity, blood circulation, oxygenation of cells, etc) has been measured as early a eight days after fertilization. This form of human life has it's own unique DNA, blood, and brain activities that are separate from the mother's. Once again, throwing the whole issue back into the laps of the Pro-choice people.

Then to turn to the Bible, God speaking to Jeremiah, states that He knew him, before he was formed in his mother womb. Thus, we can mature into the understanding that life actually begins before conception.

God bless you and keep you
Daniel

Answer 4

If you do the things necessary to bring the life forming cells together and the attach and begin growth even if microscopic, then you have conceived and are responsible for it's well being.
Abortion is murder no matter how many ways you try to explain it away.
Mom and Dad will both get a chance to meet their aborted child on judgment day if they are for hell and before if they find salvation which is still possible. Either way they will have to look the child in the eye.
There won't be any need for explanations as there is no excuse for murder.

Answer 5

The joining point of biological life and religious mythology is not a perfect fit.

Life is all that we have. Look at the Moon, or Mars, or to the billions of galaxies. Not much life there.

Does that mean that all life, everywhere is holy and deserves protection?

Some Hindi's think so, but in practical terms, no.

There is NO simple or easy solution to this question, but surely the qualities of mercy and love must temper the task of making hard choices.

Answer 6

A zygote becomes a genetically individual human right at conception; it is a separate organism from its mother even though it's dependent on her for food; it's blood remains separate from its mother's.
Yeah, a zygote couldn't survive birth, but that doesn't mean it's not human. Being born doesn't change anything about the child except that it breathes air. It still can't feed itself. Does breathing with its own lungs somehow change it from a clump of cells into a human being? If the answer is no, then a just-conceived zygote is a human being. (A "Child of God" can only be one if it is a human being, so gametes couldn't be children of God since they are not human beings...)

Answer 7

I'll take on the point of survival outside the womb. This point isn't relevant as a baby could not survive outside the womb by itself. Does this qualify it for a death sentence? bad argument Adam G. There is a waiting list for people whio want to adopt babies. It is the older children that takes more effort to adopt out. If you had cheked this out first you wouldn't be making foolish accusations. Voice of reason for someoe using a title like that you don't live up to your title. We kill life just by breathing? Perhaps a breath mint is in order. In this day of advancements in science people can no longer hide behind the argument that a fetus is just a blob. An argument used in times past. And if life doesn't begin at conception the burdon of proof rests on you to prove when it does.And the burdon is to reach consensus. Which would be laughable becuase I have hear many different suggested abortive times all thinking they are correct.
Edit: Asker seems to not realize that fully grown humans are also a bunch of cells that need nourishing in order to survive.

Answer 8

The Cricket- great answer. I am going to add just a little something to it however. When does a woman normally find out she is pregnant? 4-6 weeks after conception right? Ok here is what takes place up to the 6 week period- you tell me what is life and what is not life
DAY 1- when fertilization occurs, the baby's features, including sex, hair, and eye color have already been determined. DNA as well is determined at conception.
DAY 21- or 3 weeks after conception- heart is beating. Something that does not have life, has no beating heart.
BY THE 6th WEEK- Everything is there that will be except smaller.
Just because the baby cannot take care of itself, does not make it not a living being. A newborn baby and young babies and toddlers cannot take care of themselves either.

So my thought is that if we do not know we are pregnant- until after 4 weeks and most 5-6 weeks along- and there is a heartbeat, guess what there is life. God is the one who creates life and God is ONLY one that decides who is given life or not. So a woman has not right to take the life an innocent baby- YES , he/she is a baby.

edit- voice of reason- Jesus gave up His life, He is God, to save us from our sin- we do not drink blood or eat flesh- we take communion in remembrance of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Jesus had a choice to die for us, He gave Himself up- what choice do those babies have?

Answer 9

I think there are some religious arguments against abortion, but I don't think that's the point of the argument. People have adapted the mindset that they can do as they please and not have to deal with the consequences. The very concept is so selfish. If I'm unfaithful to my wife, I should accept the responsibility of my actions which may include not only pregnancy but also STD's and divorce. If we accepted responsibility for our actions and only aborted babies for rape, mother in danger, etc, it would all but silence the pro-life movement.

Answer 10

If sperm does meet and penetrate a mature egg after ovulation, it will fertilize it. When the sperm penetrates the egg, changes occur in the protein coating around it to prevent other sperm from entering. At the moment of fertilization, your baby's genetic make-up is complete, including its sex.