[WikiEN-l] Re: Is "fetus" = "human life" POV?

[Haukur Þorgeirsson]

Excellent points, Daniel.

A smart chimp can do many of the things
often considered "uniquely human", even
maintain a rudimentary conversation.
That's more than you can say for a fetus.

The genetic difference between humans
and chimpanzees is, what, about 10 times
more than the difference between individual
humans? Seems close enough to me.

And there have been cultures where killing
newborn babies was legal and considered ethical.

When Iceland converted to Christianity by
decree of the assembly ([[Althing]]) in the
year 999 three concessions were made to the
pagans:

1. It was still legal to sacrifice in private.
2. It was still legal to eat horsemeat.
3. It was still legal to "carry out" a baby upon birth.

Even in Christian times the legal code had an
article that allowed the castration of vagabonds
- and even if they died from the operation you
were not held responsible. Lest anyone think
eugenics is purely a recent idea.

(Old Icelandic: "Rett er at gelda göngomenn,
oc varþar eigi viþ lög, þott þeir fai örkumbl
af eþr bana.")

Regards,
Haukur