Reconsidering fetal pain

What is it about?

Scientists have argued about when the fetus might be mature enough to feel pain since at least the mid 1990s. Many argued that the brain structures necessary for pain do not reach a maturation necessary for pain until after 24 weeks gestation. Recent findings, however, make that argument more difficult to sustain. In addition, pain can be defined in different ways. If pain is defined to include a reflective comprehension that includes fear and concern about bodily integrity, then the fetus is unlikely to ever be classified as capable of pain. But if pain is defined as a core, immediate, bodily response to injury without self awareness, then the fetus may be classified as capable of pain from around 12 weeks gestation. The authors differ in their opinion as to the morality of abortion, but agree that the understanding of fetal pain may impact abortion practice, and that moral opinions on the right or wrong of abortion should not influence the understanding of fetal pain.

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