In the state of Alabama a human personhood measure has been introduced that contains flawed language. The bill in question, SB 301 states, “The term ‘persons’ as used in the Code of Alabama 1975, shall include any human being from the moment of fertilization or the functional equivalent thereof.”
This language uses the phrase “moment of fertilization” which is inaccurate. As Professor Dianne Irving haspointed out repeatedly, fertilization is a process over time and, according to the Carnegie Stages, (updated annually since 1942) there are three very different sub-stages (phases) of human embryonic development during the process of fertilization. . . . Precise language is necessary if we are to assure total protection in the law for every human being at every stage of his biological development commencing from the beginning. This is why words are so important and need to be chosen with such great care. It is for this reason that the term “functional equivalent” is also erroneous. It is well known among honest scientists that there is no functional equivalent between the reproductive processes of sexual and asexual reproduction.
There is absolutely nothing to be gained by distorting science or logic. Shooting ourselves in the foot on our way to hoped-for victory is actually a step back, not a step forward—which brings me to the second strategic problem confronting pro-lifers today.
A bill introduced in the state of Ohio’s legislature is popularly referred to as the “heartbeat” bill. This bill is designed to protect a preborn baby once that child’s heartbeat is detected. . . . [P]ro-life Americans must not set forth proposals that define who should live and who should die based on detectable signs of life. Terri Schiavo was killed because some claimed that she was not exhibiting signs of a meaningful life. The same mentality could be employed if the “heartbeat” proposal moves forward. Headlines describe the “heartbeat” bill as a direct assault on Roe v. Wade, and as an actual abortion ban, even though the bill does not ban the act of abortion. American Life League
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