1. +
Abortion:
The Ethical Dilemma
When Does Life Begin?
Heather Seagle
Excelsior College

2. +
Introduction
 The ethical issue of abortion centers around the issue of when
life begins.

3. +
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)

4. +
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

5. +
The Philosophical Argument
 Does the exact moment of when life begins matter?
 Future of Value
 Sentience
 Contribution to the world

6. +
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

7. +
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
 Certain types of abortion could be excusable

8. +
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).