The objective of these articles is to present the facts at the heart of a social issue which has distorted social and political discourse for over 3 decades. By this effort we intend to promote fair discussion and to offer alternative solutions.

The conception of a unique human being occurs when a human sperm fertilizes a human ovum, the two becoming a single unicellular organism, a human being at the earliest stage of life.  It is human based on its origin and possession of the characteristic human chromosomes, and unique by the particular ~100,000 genes consisting of over 3 BILLION nucleated base pairs (Stedman’s Medical Dictionary, 27th ed. pp. 835, 996).  It is alive based on its ability to move, respire, respond to its environment, feed, excrete, reproduce and grow.  This life extends in unbroken stages to and beyond birth….until death (Biology, Life On Earth, 4th ed. Pp.799).

And so, willful abortion, the elimination of that human life, either directly with chemicals or instruments, or indirectly by depriving the embryo of the opportunity to implant normally in the womb to continue its human development, can only scientifically and honestly be described as the killing of a human being.

Legally, whether the human being has a right to life is another question.  Legal rights in a society are determined by the members of that society.  That was true in ancient times and throughout history, whether declared by despots like Adolph Hitler, or by the political process in a democratic society which at various times saw fit to legitimize slavery and “cover” women with the unilateral rights of their husbands.  Thus, when its anchor to justice is let loose, the law merely reflects the wishes of some in its society.

In this way, the current discordance between scientific fact and societal/legal assertions came into existence.  How to bring these two foundations of human life into harmony is the challenge. Meanwhile, Roe v Wade has no basis in Medicine, in Law or in moral principles.

We fought a destructive Civil War to deal with slavery in this country.  Indeed, if the 40 million  fetuses thus far aborted had been as visible in their lifetimes as the American slaves were, we might already have fought a second civil war.

Let us reason together to acknowledge the scientific facts and to bring the protections of our law to cover these other pre-born citizens.

Peter F. Moore, Ph.D.    George A. Sprecace, M.D., J.D.