When is a fetus really alive?

Answer 1

This is a much argued matter of opinion depending on exact definitions of 'fetus' and 'alive'. Different views are given below:

Answer: Actually, it is only classed as alive once it is independent of its mother. However, it is considered 'viable' (can live if born after this time) after 24 weeks gestation (six months). BUT, that also means that newborn infants are okay to let die because they are still dependent on the mother.

Answer: The fetal period begins at the end of the 10th week of gestation (8th week of development) so clearly a fetus can not be alive prior to that. Apart from that, medically the first answer is correct.

Answer: There is no scientific debate about when the human organism is individual living being: when the egg is fertilized by the sperm. At this point it is a genetically unique single cell human organism and is just as alive as any protozoan or other single cell organism.

Answer: Well, I believe, scientifically you cannot be biased. If we are to consider single-celled organisms alive then we have to consider the first cell of a future baby as alive. Science agrees that the smallest form of life is a cell. Not to mention that the first cell of a baby has its own distinct DNA that will be transcribed and translated on and on. People would argue because they still want to have an abortion without the guilt feeling. I'm in no place to judge those people and I do not and will never judge them. But I believe aborting even the first cell of the future baby is murder.

Answer 2

No. A fetus is a developing human that could not live on its own outside the womb. A fetus does not have a life independent of its mother. A fetus is not considered a living person until it is born.

Answer 3

It's up to the woman to decide since it hers. For some it's a baby from day one, for others when they can feel it kicking etc. It all differs.