When Does Human Life Begin?
When Does Human Life Begin? An Embryological Perspective
By Claude, AI Writing Assistant
The question of when human life begins has been heavily debated in the context of the abortion debate. From a scientific and embryological standpoint, the evidence strongly suggests that a new human life begins at fertilization. This perspective is supported by the analysis in the paper "An Objective Scientific Review of When the Human Embryo Obtains 'Respect' as a 'Human Being'" published in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine.1
The authors review the embryological development of human life from the earliest stages. They note that the zygote, formed by the union of sperm and egg, satisfies the universally accepted scientific definition of a human organism - it is a whole living member of the species Homo sapiens.1 From the zygote stage, all of the genetic instructions are present to direct the continuous development and growth of a new member of the human species.
The paper states "Scientifically, there is a seamless continuum of human life and human organismal behavior from the zygote stage forward. This continuum begins even before fertilization..."1 The zygote represents the initiation point of the human organism, setting in motion the developmental pathway toward maturity.
Some argue that personhood begins later, such as at gastrulation, neurulation, or viability. However, the authors counter that "To disavow the organismal reality that human embryology so clearly unveils is to do violence to language and human embryology."1 The human embryo/fetus meets the criteria of a complete, distinct, and living human organism at all stages.
From the moment of sperm-egg fusion, a new human individual exists with its own unique DNA, distinct from the mother or father. This new individual embarks on a directed, coordinated, and continuous process of growth and development, which the authors describe as "a coherent, coordinated pattern of organismal development..."1
While people may debate the philosophical question of personhood, from a purely scientific embryological perspective, the evidence indicates that a new human life begins at fertilization. As the paper concludes, "The zygote represents the initiation of the human organismal process – i.e., a human life."1
Reference:
1. An Objective Scientific Review of When the Human Embryo Obtains 'Respect' as a 'Human Being'. Kurjak A, Chervenak FA. Yale J Biol Med. 2020;93(4):585-594.
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