This post is part of a series of posts addressing arguments made against abortion. The format here is simple: I list a common argument against abortion and then open the floor for my readers to discuss. Without further ado, here’s today’s argument:

Shouldn’t We Err on the Safe Side?

The fetus MIGHT be a person. It’s hard to say when personhood/self-awareness/thought begins and therefore the fetus might be/have any or all of the above and should be given the benefit of the doubt. After all, everyone agrees that a fetus becomes a person at some point. For some, that point is conception. For others, it’s much later–possibly birth. Scientifically, though, we have no idea. Therefore, to be on the safe side so we don’t kill any people, we should assume that point is as early as possible.

Please be civil and direct. Remember that I would like the comments section of this post to serve as a resource in the future. You are encouraged to link to articles elsewhere that help address this argument, or to studies or documentation. And don’t be afraid to respond to each other, to play the devil’s advocate, or to simply ask questions.

After a week I will close the comments sections on this post, and will choose the comments I consider clearest and most interesting and add them to the end of the OP (with full credit, of course).

So. Discuss!