abortion

Well, it appears that it is again my turn to post an argument. I am, however, at somewhat of a loss as to what I should say given that the Pro Speaker's argument for the second round was not an argument, but a request. I don't know whether or not there is a way for third parties to make comments on this debate before it is finished, but, seeing as the onus is on me to write a response to the Pro Speaker, I will go ahead and address the question made. The Pro Speaker asks: "Can someone give me advice on "what is the meaning of life"?" This would mean what is the point or purpose of life, but, in context, I am going to guess that the question is: "what defines life?" Well, let"s look into that. In Science there are several basic criteria which are generally agreed upon as the defining characteristics of a living organism. On the Wayne State College website there is a very clear-cut explanation of these criteria and of how a fertilized egg would measure up against them. The article shows how the fetus does meet these criteria, but even without that explanation it is fairly easy to look at the definition and see that each criteria is met by the fetus. The article lists these criteria as: "1) Chemical Uniqueness. Fertilized eggs possess their own unique DNA from conception. 2) Complexity and hierarchical organization. Hickman, Roberts, and Larson (1997) explain that the most basic unit in the biological hierarchy is the cell. The cell holds the properties of living organisms, and cells can be manipulated in the laboratory and can be reproduced, whereas nonliving elements cannot. Therefore, the fertilized egg would meet this criteria, although it would be a more basic unit of the biological hierarchy. 3) Reproduction. Francis Beckwith (1994) observes that the zygote possesses two different methods of reproduction: cell reproduction and twinning. According to Beckwith (1994), twinning is "a form of asexual reproduction, which can occur after conception." 4) Possession of a genetic program. Francis Beckwith (1994) confirms that from conception, the fertilized egg has "its own unique genetic code." The 46 chromosomes present at conception provide all of the genetic information that will ever be needed. 5) Metabolism. Francis Beckwith (1994) confirms that from conception, the fertilized egg meets the requirement of metabolism. 6) Development. Hickman, Roberts, and Larson (1997) state, "Development describes the characteristic changes that an organism undergoes from its origin (usually the fertilization of the egg by sperm) to its final adult form." Thus, although the fertilized egg will take on different forms throughout its life cycle, the development of life begins at conception. 7) Environmental interaction. The entity in the womb interacts with its environment in many ways. Kicking and jumping are both examples. In addition, research has shown that the fetus can be soothed by music and can recognize the voice of its mother." I would add a few things onto the explanations of these points. In the third criteria, the ability to reproduce, I would explain that cell reproduction is a common way for an organism to meet this requirement. Many adult humans, for instance, are infertile or in some other way lack the ability of sexual reproduction. This, however, does not make them less than human or mean that they are no longer alive. The reason they still meet this criteria is because the cells within their bodies are constantly reproducing, thus fulfilling the criteria. Furthermore, as a word of explanation on the 5th criteria, the ability to metabolize, the fetus receives nutrients from it"s mother and utilizes these nutrients to survive and grow. Therefore the fetus possesses the ability of metabolism. Clearly, then, the unborn baby is, in fact, a living human child. To terminate the life and growth of this child through abortion, then, is just as much of a murder as to do the exact same to a 2 year old child. Even the most liberal and most pro-abortion politicians and people in our country would, I think, be horrified if it were suggested that the killing of 2 year old children should be legalized. That would spark international outrage. How, then, do we justify the killing of that same child at an earlier stage of life? If the fetus is alive, then, regardless of all other circumstances, abortion is wrong. No matter how the child was conceived, it is still a child, worthy of respect and protection. No, I am not against women. I do not argue that in the condition of rape that the rapist is any less to blame for his terrible crime"..but I DO argue that no matter how the child was conceived"that its life is still just as valuable and therefore deserving of our protection. When a society is no longer willing to protect the life of the most vulnerable of its members"namely, its unborn children, then that society has certainly fallen to the lowest reaches of depravity.