How is Abortion Murder?
The abortion debate has been a divisive topic for decades, with some arguing that it’s a woman’s right to choose, while others regard it as a form of murder. As we delve deeper into the issue, we will explore the reasons behind this perspective and examine the different aspects of abortion that deem it a form of murder.
What is Murder?
Before we dive into the specifics of abortion, let’s define what is commonly understood as murder.
Murder is the willful and premeditated taking of another person’s life. It is typically punishable by law and condemned by society as a criminal offense.
Is an Unborn Child a Human Life?
One of the primary arguments against abortion is that an unborn child is, in fact, a human life. Fertilization of an ovum by a sperm begins a new human life.
According to the American Institute of Biological Sciences, when sperm fertilizes an ovum, it creates zygote, an egg cell that contains two distinct sets of chromosomes.
In other words, zygote is a tiny, unique human person, with its own fingerprints, DNA, and DNA-encoded traits.
Physical Evidence of Human Life in the Womb
It is widely accepted that zygote develops into the stage of embryo, where it implants itself on the uterine lining.
Here are some developmental milestones that demonstrate the progressive humanization of the unborn child:
Table 1: Development of an Unborn Child from Zygote to fetus (weeks 1-20)
| Week | Developmental Milestones |
|---|---|
| 1 | Division into 2 cells |
| 5 | Heart begins pumping |
| 7 | Brain functions |
| 12 | Limbs start to form |
| 14 | Hands and feet |
| 19 | Brain waves |
| 21 | Fetal length – 12 inches, fingers separated |
Punishment for Taking Life in Other Circumstances
If we consider these scientific facts, it can be argued that an abortion constitutes murder. In similar cases, society punishes the taking of human life severely.
For instance:
- In most countries, abortion is illegal or heavily criminalized, with severe sentences imposed on those who circumvent the law.
- Parents who kill their young children face severe legal sanctions.
- In cases where infanticide, or the killing of infant, occurs, it’s usually treated as a very serious crime.
An Abortion is a "Taking of Life" and hence, Murder
- Premeditated intent: Abortion always involves a deliberate decision-making process, where the goal is to end the unborn child’s life.
- Willful intention: The act of harming or killing the unborn child is perpetrated by the abortion provider.
Therefore, it can be logically concluded that an intentional and irreversible harm is inflicted, effectively ending the life of a unique human person in the womb.
Summary: Abortion is an Unjustified Taking of Human Life
In the face of overwhelming scientific and biological evidence, it appears abortion is unequivocally a form of murder. The intentional decision to end the life of a human being, for whatever reason, is universally considered morally reprehensible in the context of human social values.
Conclusion
By understanding the definition of murder, the human biology and development of an unborn child, and the serious repercussions for taking life outside the womb, it can be concluded that aborting a fetus is ethically equivalent to murdering that life.
The scientific, moral, and ethological evidence overwhelmingly supports that the unborn child is an actual human life, subject to the same moral respect as any other human being outside the womb.
This argument should be taken forward by the society and world, and the issue needs to be re-examined
