Can a fetus feel pain during an abortion?

The question of whether a fetus can feel pain during an abortion is complex and depends on several factors, including the duration of pregnancy and the definition of pain perception. Here are some important points to consider.

Pain perception requires a functional nervous system. The structures in the brain responsible for processing pain stimuli begin to develop around the 20th week of pregnancy, but are not fully functional until later.

Scientific consensus suggests that a fetus's ability to experience pain likely does not begin until after the 24th week of pregnancy, when the necessary nerve pathways and brain structures are sufficiently developed to process pain signals. Before that time, the nerve pathways are not yet fully developed or functional.

Although a fetus may respond to certain stimuli before the 24th week (such as moving when touched), this is usually seen as reflexive responses and not as a conscious experience of pain. In conclusion, most scientific guidelines indicate that a fetus cannot experience pain as we understand it before the 24th week.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-09-29 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024