[MHGinTN]

You wrote (quite astutely), "When human form and human functions develop (I believe 8 weeks or so), then there is certainly an argument to be made for intentional actions by the individual."

The author is asserting that the placenta 'form' with its survival 'function', beginning as it does even before implantation, argues for the embryo at earliest age to be defined as a human being, a functioning integrated whole organism.

[palmer]

The author is asserting that the placenta 'form' with its survival 'function', beginning as it does even before implantation, argues for the embryo at earliest age to be defined as a human being, a functioning integrated whole organism.

I assume that would require 100's of cells. That would seem to weaken your case for protection of single-celled humans. Furthermore, the placenta form is not going to resemble human form any more than any other placental mammal.