Mr. Richard Geib gave a presentation titled "PERSONHOOD" discussing at what point an unborn fetus qualifies for personhood and the rights associated with it. He notes there is a conflict between a woman's right to control her body and the state's interest in protecting life. The central question is when exactly in development from conception to birth does a fetus become a person. The presentation considers potential points such as 11 weeks and 6 days, 18 weeks and 6 days, 33 weeks, and seven minutes after birth, but concludes that determining when life and personhood begin is crucial but unclear, with various pregnancy terms and milestones to consider.
2. “PERSONHOOD”
•Genetic code “human”
•Status of person is only given to members of the moral community
–Entities with rights!
•Unborn meet the criteria for personhood?
–If so, when does this occur?
Would you risk your life to rescue this “person” from an oncoming car on a busy highway?
THE CONFLICT: Right of the mother to control her body versus interest of the state to protect life.
3. THE BEGINNING OF HUMAN LIFE
• KEY QUESTION: When exactly in the journey from conception to birth is a fetus a “person”?
9. When does “life” exist?
Pregnancy terms to keep in mind: conception, complete implantation of zygote, fetus, distinct human form, “quickening," viability of fetus, birth.
A crucial point: when does “personhood” begin?
10. When does “life” exist?
Pregnancy terms to keep in mind: conception, complete implantation of zygote, fetus, distinct human form, “quickening," viability of fetus, birth.
