An essay on the topic of whether or not a fetus is considered a person can be an interesting, yet difficult topic to discuss. This is due to the fact that the legal and moral implications of such an argument can be highly contested, depending on one's personal beliefs. While some individuals may believe that a fetus should be recognized as a person with legal rights, there are various factors that must be taken into consideration when debating this issue.
First, it is important to consider the biology of a fetus and its development. A fertilized egg begins to form a human being around the fourth week of pregnancy and continues to develop until it is able to live outside the womb. Until that point, the fetus is dependent on its mother for all of its needs, including oxygen and nutrients. This same fetus does not yet have the ability to feel pain or comprehend its surroundings, thus, it cannot be considered a fully-formed person by any legal or moral definition.
Second, if the status of a fetus is elevated to that of a person with legal rights, it could have far-reaching implications beyond abortion rights. For example, pregnant women could potentially face criminal charges if they violated certain laws. In some cases, pregnant women may even be held responsible for the actions of the fetus inside their womb. In addition, this could also lead to cases involving wrongful death lawsuits if a fetus were to be killed while in the mother's womb.
Finally, this discussion cannot be had without considering the views and rights of the pregnant woman. Any law or moral decision made on whether or not a fetus is considered a person must also consider the rights of the pregnant woman. This is due to the fact that she has a right to decide what will happen to her body and her unborn child.
It is clear that the debate over whether or not a fetus should be considered a person is not an easy one to answer. There are many legal and moral implications to consider when discussing this topic. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to decide what they believe and how they wish to approach this sensitive issue.