re: #763 austin_blue

Second, we have a pretty good definition of human death. No higher cerebral cortex function, no human. This is what allows us to harvest organs, for the good of those in need of them, from functionally dead humans. All well and good. Established law and precedent.

Why is it, if we have a working definition of human death, we don’t have a definition of human life? The human embryo, at various points in its early development, has a tail, gills, and absolutely no forebrain. In fact, until the latter second trimester, the human fetus would not meet the criterion of a head shot human as far as cerebral cortex brain function is concerned.

No human brain function, no human.

Perhaps this is a starting point for a discussion of when human life begins in the womb?

The two situations are not analogous. Development of an embryo/fetus is a process. Any determination of “where life begins” is arbitrary.

Certain persons have chosen to make that determination based upon their religious beliefs, which is certainly their right. But in a nation that “shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,” they do not have the right to impose their beliefs upon other Americans.