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Abortion: The Ethical DilemmaWhen Does Life Begin? Heather SeagleExcelsior College

+Introduction The ethical issue of abortion centers around the issue

of when life begins.

+The Scientific Argument When does the fetus become a human life?

Conception Syngamy Life Cycle

An organism is defined as “(1) a complex structure of independent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole and (2) an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function but mutually dependent: a living being” (Condic,2008, p. 6)

+Supporting Evidence Dr. Maureen Condic

A new, unique cell formed shortly after conception Exhibits defining traits of an organism Self-organized cells prevalent before syngamy Abortion would be murder at any point

Professor John Biggers Life does not begin at conception Life is cyclical

Two phases: haploid and diploid Abortion would be murder at any point, including conception

+The Philosophical Argument Does the exact moment of when life begins matter?

Future of Value Sentience Contribution to the world

+Supporting Evidence

Don Marquis Everyone has a future of value Abortion would eliminate it

Benagiano et al At what point could they contribute to the world Abortion could save from a biological disorder

As reported in the UK Daily Mail Magazine Online

+Conclusion

Scientific Argument Life begins at conception Life begins at syngamy Life is a cyclical continuum Abortion is murder

Philosophical Arugment The point life begins is irrelevant Fetus’ have a future of value

+References

Benagiano, G., Mort, M., Ford, N., & Grudzinskas, G. (2011). Early pregnancy wastage: ethical considerations. Reproductive Biomedicine Online (Reproductive Healthcare Limited), 22(7), 692-700. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.03.008

Biggers, J. (1981). When Does Life Begin?. Sciences, 21(10), 10.

Condic, M. (2008). When Does Human Life Begin? A Scientific Perspective. Westchester Institute White Paper Series 1(1), 18.

Marquis, D. (Apr., 1989) Why Abortion is Immoral. The Journal of Philosophy. (86) 4, pp. 183-202

Sade, D. M. (2006). Defining the Beginning and the End of Human Life: Implications for Ethics, Policy, and Law: Abortion and the Beginning and End of Human Life. Journal Of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 34(16).