From: Sam Korn <smoddy(a)gmail.com>
Referring
to a "human fetus" as "human" doesnt appear
to be controversial
Referring to it as "a human fetus" (as opposed to, say, "a chimpanzee
fetus") is non-controversial. Referring to is a "a human", quite
obviously
is.
Jay.
Surely there has to be some difference between using human as a noun
and as an adjective. Using "human" as a noun to refer to a foetus
(i.e. "a foetus in a womb is a human"), has a subtle but important
difference to using it as an adjective (i.e. "a foetus in a womb is
human"). The first implies personhood, the second does not.
Is this a viable compromise?
As opposed to "a foetus in a womb is chimpanzee"? "A foetus in womb is
inhuman"? Frankly, I can't see a meaningful usage which wouldn't imply
personhood. The example you provide doesn't give any useful information,
and, in fact, if found in an article would appear to be promoting exactly
that, personhood.
Jay.