Freakonomics

[Toad]

8 weeks:

The unborn child, called a fetus at this stage, is about half an inch long. The tiny person is protected by the amnionic sac, filled with fluid. Inside, the child swims and moves gracefully. The arms and legs have lengthened, and fingers can be seen. The toes will develop in the next few days. Brain waves can be measured.



Well within the first trimester; a target for vacuum aspiration.

Just so ya know what we're all talking about here.

[Sandman]

Originally posted by Toad

Just so ya know what we're all talking about here.

Sure do... it's a parasitic being.

[Gunslinger]

Originally posted by Sandman
Sure do... it's a parasitic being.

so cold!

[Sandman]

Just try to call 'em like I see 'em.

[Holden McGroin]

I realise the shock jock humor... however a parasite is defined as a seperate species and injures the host.

[Gunslinger]

Originally posted by Holden McGroin
I realise the shock jock humor... however a parasite is defined as a seperate species and injures the host.

ooooohhhh common logic....how refreshing!

par·a·site    ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (pr-st)
n.
1.  Biology. An organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to the survival of its host.

2.  One who habitually takes advantage of the generosity of others without making any useful return.
One who lives off and flatters the rich; a sycophant.
3.  A professional dinner guest, especially in ancient Greece.<---????

[Seagoon]

Originally posted by Toad
8 weeks:

The unborn child, called a fetus at this stage, is about half an inch long. The tiny person is protected by the amnionic sac, filled with fluid. Inside, the child swims and moves gracefully. The arms and legs have lengthened, and fingers can be seen. The toes will develop in the next few days. Brain waves can be measured.

Toad, if you haven't already done so, check out an amazing website called Just the Facts and make sure you click on "Video Clips" and check out "8 weeks" - obviously the realplayer version is better.

- SEAGOON

[Sandman]

or·gan·ism   Audio pronunciation of "organism" ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (ôrg-nzm)
n.

   1. An individual form of life, such as a plant, animal, bacterium, protist, or fungus; a body made up of organs, organelles, or other parts that work together to carry on the various processes of life.
   2. A system regarded as analogous in its structure or functions to a living body: the social organism.

spe·cies   Audio pronunciation of "species" ( P )  Pronunciation Key  (spshz, -sz)
n. pl. species

   1. Biology.
         1. A fundamental category of taxonomic classification, ranking below a genus or subgenus and consisting of related organisms capable of interbreeding. See table at taxonomy.
         2. An organism belonging to such a category, represented in binomial nomenclature by an uncapitalized Latin adjective or noun following a capitalized genus name, as in Ananas comosus, the pineapple, and Equus caballus, the horse.
   2. Logic. A class of individuals or objects grouped by virtue of their common attributes and assigned a common name; a division subordinate to a genus.
   3.
         1. A kind, variety, or type: “No species of performing artist is as self-critical as a dancer” (Susan Sontag).
         2. The human race; humankind.
   4. Roman Catholic Church.
         1. The outward appearance or form of the Eucharistic elements that is retained after their consecration.
         2. Either of the consecrated elements of the Eucharist.
   5. Obsolete.
         1. An outward form or appearance.
         2. Specie.

Hmmm... Organism is not synomous with species... go figure.

[Toad]

Originally posted by Sandman
Sure do... it's a parasitic being.

Well, at least your are half right..it's a being.

[Sandman]

par·a·site ( P ) Pronunciation Key (pr-st)
n.
1. Biology. An organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to the survival of its host.

Sounds 100% correct to me...

Thanx Gun...

[lazs2]

no... not really... if a parasite is a totally foreign oraganizm then a baby would not apply as it is at least half genetically the same as the mother.

lazs

[NUKE]

What I never understood is the contradiction of the law on the definition/ and legal protection of the life of a fetus

On one hand, abortion is legal, on the other, you can be charged with murder for killing a fetus.

So, we legally protect the same fetus that can be legally aborted and killed.

[midnight Target]

Originally posted by NUKE
What I never understood is the contradiction of the law on the definition/ and legal protection of the life of a fetus

On one hand, abortion is legal, on the other, you can be charged with murder for killing a fetus.

So, we legally protect the same fetus that can be legally aborted and killed.

Not hard to understand at all.

Can you be arrested for cutting off your own finger?

[NUKE]

Originally posted by midnight Target
Not hard to understand at all.

Can you be arrested for cutting off your own finger?

Well, is a finger a human life if someone else cuts mine off, yet only a finger if I do?

A fetus is considered a life in one instance, and not a life in another.

[GRUNHERZ]

Originally posted by midnight Target
Not hard to understand at all.

Can you be arrested for cutting off your own finger?

Prolly not, but they do put people in the nuthouse for protection against further self mutilation.

Is that what you are suggesting they do to womenwho get abortions?