Human life begins at conception
This is the point when fertilisation results in a new genetically and physically distinct human organism being formed. The new human DNA created from the sperm and egg coming together is unique. It has never existed before and will never exist again. At this stage, the sex of the baby, hair, and eye colour are determined. While people will argue about the value of this human life and when and whether it should be recognised and protected as a ​‘person’, the existence of a new human life at conception is a fact that cannot be refuted.
From conception:
3 weeks: The heart starts to beat.
6 weeks: The brain sends messages around the body, and the baby is already over 100 times bigger than at conception.
8 weeks: Limbs and organs are now developing, and the body is essentially completely formed.
10 weeks: The baby now has nails and unique fingerprints and can make a fist.
12 weeks: The baby responds to touch; is active, kicking and doing somersaults.
13 weeks: The baby is sucking and swallowing amniotic fluid to exercise the lungs.
16 weeks: The mother may feel the baby moving, and the baby can hear the mother’s voice.
24 weeks: With proper medical care, babies born at this stage have a 60% – 70% chance of survival. Some have even survived from 22 weeks.
26 weeks: Around this time, babies start to open their eyes and blink.
33 weeks: The baby’s brain and nervous system are fully developed, and their bones continue to harden.
37 weeks: The baby is full term and ready to be born.
All images from Science Photo Library
