When Human Life Begins

American College of Pediatricians ^ | March 2004 | American College of Pediatricians

[hocndoc]

When Human Life Begins

ABSTRACT. The American College of Pediatricians concurs with the body of scientific evidence that human life begins at conception—fertilization. This definition has been expounded since prior to Roe v. Wade, but was not made available to the US Supreme Court in 1973. Scientific and medical discoveries over the past three decades have only verified and solidified this age-old truth. At the completion of the process of fertilization, the human creature emerges as a whole, genetically distinct, individuated zygotic living human organism, a member of the species homo sapiens, needing only the proper environment in order to grow and develop. The difference between the individual in its adult stage and in its zygotic stage is not one of personhood but of development. The Mission of the American College of Pediatricians is to enable all children to reach their optimal physical and emotional health and well-being from the moment of conception. This statement reviews some of the associated historical, ethical and philosophical issues.

For hundreds of years physicians have pondered on the origin of human life. Aristotle’s work on embryos is considered as the “beginning of the turning of man’s mind away from superstition and conjecture, toward observation.”1 Even though Aristotle is generally regarded as the founder of the science of embryology, his work was actually preceded by that of Hippocrates in his writings about the development of the chick embryo. In the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci published observations of embryonic and fetal development. In the following century, Marcello Malpighi, aided by the invention of the microscope, erroneously put forth the preformation theory of human development arising from the homunculus. It was the cell theory developed by Schleiden and Schwann in 1839 which recognized that a spermatozoon fuses with an oocyte and forms a zygote, the conception of a new human life.

For over thirty years pediatricians have been advocates for the child from conception.2 Likewise, for over twenty years pediatricians have demanded the full recognition of the rights of the child before birth including “the right to be accepted by family and society, the right to be loved and cared for, and the right to grow and develop without environmental hazards or aggressions.”3

Pediatricians assert the “inherent worth of all children,” considering them as “our most enduring and vulnerable legacy,”4 and they affirm as their mission “to attain optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults.”5 For generations pediatricians have regarded the term “children” as inclusive of life from conception.

[hocndoc]

You are so good at explaining, and this post is proof. Thank you.

[hocndoc]

What a kind thing to say. Thank you.

[hocndoc]

Thanks for the pings and thanks for the information.

[aruanan]

My pleasure. You're welcome.

[DumpsterDiver]

My thanks to you both.

[hocndoc]

Here's a great chart, available on line as part of Amazon.com's "look inside" feature:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0443065837/ref=sib_rdr_prev2_ex2/104-2341387-7923127?%5Fencoding=UTF8&p=S008&j=1&ns=1#reader-page

Here's a word picture:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0721694128/ref=sib_rdr_prev2_ex2/104-2341387-7923127?%5Fencoding=UTF8&p=S008&j=1&ns=1#reader-page

and an incredible chart

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0721694128/ref=sib_rdr_next3_ex4/104-2341387-7923127?%5Fencoding=UTF8&p=S00A&j=1&ns=1#reader-page

[biblewonk]

Many pro-lifers think that abortion is the worlds biggest sin. When I suggest that the adultery and fornication and prostitution that is going on conceiving the babies seems to be a bigger sin they usually get upset. I often think of David and Bathsheba(sp) and that the baby was struck dead for David's sin.

[conservonator]

Many pro-lifers think that abortion is the worlds biggest sin.

It's not, sins against the Holy Spirit are.

When I suggest that the adultery and fornication and prostitution that is going on conceiving the babies seems to be a bigger sin they usually get upset.

Because you’re wrong. Murder is a graver sin than sins of the flesh. Remember Cain?

I often think of David and Bathsheba(sp) and that the baby was struck dead for David's sin.

God, not man made that decision. To equate the modern abortion and birth control to an act of Gods will in one specific biblical event is stretching it a bit. I'm reminded of Christ’s admonition about harming Children.

This conversation gives me a deja vu feeling...

[biblewonk]

Yes I think we have had this conversation before.

[oldcomputerguy]

"Saying that a baby isn't "alive" until it has taken its first breath is simply an arbitrary distinction"

Yes, but it is the one that nature intended. I agree science can keep anything alive these days but should we? I happen to believe that natural selection has a reason and there there is a threshold beyond which tampering is counterproductive. I am not saying we shouldn't save premies but there is a boundry that is most truly counterproductive.

You are not going to convince me of your view and frankly I could care less if I convince you of my view.

I never cease to be amazed by prolifers and prochoicers alike. We can throw in religious zealots too. They can never seem to comprehend that their positions are emotionally based. Emotionally based beliefs cannot be successfully argued, but they keep trying.

[oldcomputerguy]

"Did you read the position statement or notice that the sponsoring group is a group of well
respected Pediatricians ?(and a few associate members like me - I'm a family physician)"

Well I am sure you do fine work and are a fine person, but my opinion of the medical establishment is not really that high.

[MHGinTN]

Did you know that science has proven that children alive in the womb learn? ... If the little ones are not alive then who or what is that that is 'learning'? Old guy, you should choose more wisely at your age.

[oldcomputerguy]

"Old guy, you should choose more wisely at your
age."

Who said I was old? Reread the part about not being able to change my opinion on this matter.