Foetal Viability and the Legal Rights of the Unborn Child: A Deep Dive

Foetal Viability

Foetal viability is the ability of a fetus to survive outside the womb. This is typically defined as the point at which the fetus has a good chance of survival without extraordinary medical intervention. The exact point of fetal viability depends on a number of factors, including the fetus's gestational age, weight, and overall health. However, most experts agree that a fetus is generally considered to be viable at around 24 weeks of gestation.

Rights of the Unborn Child

The rights of the unborn child are a complex and controversial issue. There is no consensus on when or whether a fetus acquires legal rights. In some jurisdictions, such as the United States, the law recognizes that a fetus has some rights, but these rights are generally subordinate to the rights of the pregnant woman. In other jurisdictions, such as India, the law does not recognize any legal rights for the unborn child.

Arguments in Favor of Fetal Rights

Proponents of fetal rights argue that the unborn child is a person with the same fundamental rights as any other person. They argue that the fetus has a right to life, liberty, and security of the person. They also argue that the fetus has a right to be protected from harm, including harm from abortion.

Arguments Against Fetal Rights

Opponents of fetal rights argue that the fetus is not a person and does not have the same fundamental rights as any other person. They argue that the fetus is a part of the pregnant woman's body and that she has the right to make decisions about her own body. They also argue that recognizing fetal rights would lead to restrictions on abortion and other reproductive rights.

Conclusion

The debate over fetal viability and the rights of the unborn child is complex and there is no easy answer. It is important to consider all sides of the issue before forming an opinion.