fetus can't feel pain before 24 weeks

[Amby 490]

LONDON — British health experts say the human fetus cannot feel pain before the age of 24 weeks, so there is no reason to change the country's abortion laws.

The government-commissioned study is a setback for anti-abortion activists, who want the country's current 24-week time limit for terminations reduced.

The study says that nerve connections in the brain are not sufficiently formed to allow pain perception before 24 weeks.

The study by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, published Friday, was recommended by lawmakers who are considering lowering the abortion limit.

The doctors say there is increasing evidence that even after 24 weeks the fetus is in a state of "continuous sleep-like unconsciousness or sedation."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,595284,00.html?test=latestnews

[DukeOfYork 28]

Then kill away!

[SMR 368]

LONDON — British health experts say the human fetus cannot feel pain before the age of 24 weeks, so there is no reason to change the country's abortion laws.

The government-commissioned study is a setback for anti-abortion activists, who want the country's current 24-week time limit for terminations reduced.

The study says that nerve connections in the brain are not sufficiently formed to allow pain perception before 24 weeks.

The study by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, published Friday, was recommended by lawmakers who are considering lowering the abortion limit.

The doctors say there is increasing evidence that even after 24 weeks the fetus is in a state of "continuous sleep-like unconsciousness or sedation."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,595284,00.html?test=latestnews

I find disturbing the assumption that pain is a moral precedent. Nobody would excuse murder on the premise that the victim felt no pain.

[mawilson 2,133]

Then kill away!

[DukeOfYork 28]

The length that some people will go to in order to justify abortion staggers the mind. How about killing a quadrapelegic by stabbing him/her in the heart. They can't feel pain below the neck...

[Fandango 1,439]

The length that some people will go to in order to justify abortion staggers the mind. How about killing a quadrapelegic by stabbing him/her in the heart. They can't feel pain below the neck...

Well, the gov't allowed the State of FL to starve Terri Schiavo to death, even posting a policeman by her bed to ensure nothing be given to her by mouth to sustain her life. They said she felt no pain, despite her moans, oh and the fact that they gave her iv painkillers too.

Edited June 25, 2010 by Happy Bunny

[mawilson 2,133]

It's not murder if your victim can't feel pain.

[Gemmie 142]

It kind of sickens me to hear this. It's not even about if the baby can feel pain. It has a formed body with organs... fingers, toes, eyes, everything. It can hiccup, wince, feel the mother's emotions. Who cares about pain at that point?

[Fandango 1,439]

this is my little man at 22 weeks. When they were pushing on my belly to get him to move around, he put his hand in front of his face as if to say 'leave me alone, I'm sleeping' lol

Don't tell me they don't know.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Firstly, I thought the UK government already tried and failed to lower the abortion limit back in 2008.

Secondly late term abortions are very rare - accounting for about approximately 1.5% of abortions take place after 20 weeks.

Thirdly, as far as I understand it, they are nearly always conducted because the fetus has a developmental disorder or poses a threat to the mother's health. Barring a very few exceptions, I don't think they are permitted for contraceptive or social reasons.

Fourthly, you have to consider the parliamentary request that asked the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to investigate it.

Edited June 25, 2010 by Its a MADHOUSE

[Peikko 1,575]

Emotional rhetoric as usual, same old same old. The notion that anyone would choose to have an abortion simply based on whether or not the fetus can feel pain or not completely misrepresents the point of the research but hey nothing new there,

Lisa, much as I love pics of fetus is this an appropriate place to post it? I mean, really, do you lack common sense?

[Fandango 1,439]

Emotional rhetoric as usual, same old same old. The notion that anyone would choose to have an abortion simply based on whether or not the fetus can feel pain or not completely misrepresents the point of the research but hey nothing new there,

Lisa, much as I love pics of fetus is this an appropriate place to post it? I mean, really, do you lack common sense?

STFU Cleo. Seriously.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Emotional rhetoric as usual, same old same old. The notion that anyone would choose to have an abortion simply based on whether or not the fetus can feel pain or not completely misrepresents the point of the research but hey nothing new there,

I think the conclusion is also misleading as it is presented in a manner that divorces it from the proceedings that requested and initiated it.

[Peikko 1,575]

Moderators, please consider making this thread invisible. Thank you.

[DukeOfYork 28]

I think the conclusion is also misleading as it is presented in a manner that divorces it from the proceedings that requested and initiated it.

Regardless whether or not that was the point of the study, abortion advocates will use it as ammo to further "strengthen" their argument.

Edit: I thought the picture of the fetus at 22 weeks was very relevant.

Edited June 25, 2010 by DukeOfYork