When Does a Human Fetus Feel Pain?

Scientists have recently shattered the anti-abortionists favorite argument, that an unborn fetus can feel pain. In recent news it was found that prior to twenty four weeks the fetus lives in a state of sedation while in the womb.   For the news story, click here.

Researchers at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, located in the UK, released their findings which show that the fetus cannot, and does not, experience pain before 24 weeks of age. Further studies showed that prior to 24 weeks gestation the fetal brain is not fully formed with the connections vital for pain detection and awareness.

In fact they went so far as to say that the fetus is basically unconscious at this state and surgery in the womb before 24 weeks does not require painkillers, in fact the use of painkillers and anesthetics can be harmful.

This new information is a relief to women who have had, or are considering abortion. It also gives strength to physicians and law makers when it comes to policies and laws regarding how far along is too far in terms of abortion. In many places of the world abortion before 24 weeks is legal, but after that is only allowed if the mothers life is at risk.

Anti-Abortionists have long said that the fetus feels pain from day one, and have used this as one of their argument points against abortions.

Sadly in areas where abortion is illegal, women still seek it out, often at risk to their own life. According to Wikipedia, every year 70,000 women die from complications due to having an illegal abortion, and 5 million women survive but with permanent complications. Additionally, and very important to note, the rates of abortion are the same everywhere whether legal, or not.

photo source

photo source -  Note that the legends are not the same for both graphics.

Most abortions are preformed well before 24 weeks, many happening in the first 10 weeks, being well clear of this time frame. Still armed with this new information laws are sure to change or be strengthened in support of legal abortions prior to 24 weeks from conception.

Thoughts

In an ideal world there would be no need for abortion. However the world is not so perfect, and not every woman wants to be a mother, nor are their enough people willing to adopt babies with deformities and problems such as cocaine addictions. Indeed not every woman is even willing to care for herself though an unwanted pregnancy.

If anti-abortionists really want to reduce the numbers of abortions, they need to act to help girls and women not to get into situations where unwanted pregnancies occur. They need to lobby for free birth control measures, including sterilization.

Other Links

The Math of Human Overpopulation

How Many Children would you have IF?

There would be fewer Spoiled Children if you could Spank their Parents

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