Ethical Status of the Human Embryo/Fetal Child
When does fertilized human tissue become worthy of "person-hood"? many secular ethicists have taken the position that certain physiologic and psychological characteristics must be present first. Up to that point the manipulation, experimentation, and resultant death of fertilized "clumps of cells" is acceptable as part of the process of improving the knowledge and medical care for those who already meet the requirements for protection as human beings with person-hood. It is the opinion of the author of this website that the Bible is very clear as to when human life begins-fertilization of the ovum by the sperm, and that "person-hood" begins at that time.
Psalm 139:13-16 KJV (JGL comments in parentheses)
13 "For You formed my inward parts; (Organ/bony development)
You covered me in my mother’s womb.(embryonic/fetal child in the placental sac.)
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,(fetal child with the bony frame forming)
When I was made in secret,(Out of sight in David's day.)
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. (embryo without bony structure implanted in the uterine wall.)
16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.(fertilized ovum)
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them."
God has had a plan for every embryonic/fetal human being even before fertilization occurred and also before birth. Note that development goes from verse 16 to 13.
Psalm 139:13-16 KJV (JGL comments in parentheses)
13 "For You formed my inward parts; (Organ/bony development)
You covered me in my mother’s womb.(embryonic/fetal child in the placental sac.)
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,(fetal child with the bony frame forming)
When I was made in secret,(Out of sight in David's day.)
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. (embryo without bony structure implanted in the uterine wall.)
16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.(fertilized ovum)
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them."
God has had a plan for every embryonic/fetal human being even before fertilization occurred and also before birth. Note that development goes from verse 16 to 13.