Quote:
Originally Posted by Akashic_Librarian  Am I the only one who actually believes that Babies do not have rights until they are out of the womb? Because a lot of people seem to be all holier than thou about this subject and its a bit worrying. |
Yes, if you really believe this you would be one of the few who does, and the perspective would have very little bearing on reality.
Babies are viable (can live outside the womb on their own) at something like 22-24 weeks after conception.
Quote:
22 weeks or 5 months: 12" long and weighing about a pound, the fetus has hair on its head. Its movements can be felt. An abortion is usually unavailable at this gestational age because of state and province medical society regulations, except under very unusual circumstances. Half-way through the 22nd week, the fetus' lungs may be developed to the point where it would have a minuscule chance to live on its own.
State laws and medical association regulations generally outlaw almost all abortions beyond 20 or 21 weeks gestation. "A baby born during the 22nd week has a 14.8 percent chance of survival. And about half of these survivors are brain-damaged, either by lack of oxygen (from poor initial respiration) or too much oxygen (from the ventilator).
|
At 7 months the situation is this:
Quote:
|
7 months: 16" long and weighing about three pounds. Regular brain waves are detectable which are similar to those in adults.
|
So saying a 7 or 8 month old baby has no rights when it is entirely viable and could survive easily on its own, at a time when only a thin layer of skin keeps it from breathing and interacting on its own in the larger outside world, is a fairly ludicrous statement.
Short answer, yes, claiming life only begins at birth is misinformed, arbitrary and uneducated.