Prenatal Development Reflection Essay
Kristi Carson
Liberty University
PSYC210
February 27 , 2023
th
The scientific community has debated the beginning of human existence for many years.
To address the issue of when human existence begins, we must adopt an honest approach and
examine the science underlying the creation process rather than relying on the opinions of
politicians, theologians, or performers (Irving, 1999). There are two common conflicting
viewpoints in the study of personhood science: life starts at conception, and life begins at a later
time throughout development. While researching prenatal development from these two
perspectives, people get a deeper understanding of the human embryo exploration and the moral
reasoning for abortions. In addition, understanding our perspective on several scientific and
spiritual issues requires knowledge of the true beginning of human existence.
Life at Conception
Conception is the time when sperm reaches the uterus from the vagina and fertilizes an
egg according to Rachel Nall, (2018). According to Irving (1999), human development is the
first step in the process of becoming alive. The fertilization of an egg by sperm results in the
formation of a zygote. A human being is not created until an egg is fertilized by a sperm (Poston
& Disney, 2010). When a person is created, its 46 chromosomes come from the union of a sperm
and an egg, each of which has 23 chromosomes. Irving says that human life begins at this very
second. Irving (1999) also asserts that human pregnancy begins with the union of a sperm and
egg. Another theory suggests that the production of a zygote with twenty-three chromosomes
from the mother and twenty-three chromosomes from the father results in the formation of a one-
cell person that produces human proteins and enzymes, promoting human development. Irving
(1999) states that the one-cell human is already genetically male or female. He can be classified
as such even before the formation of the sex organs, as the chromosome X or Y from the father's
sperm joining with the mother's chromosome X determines the sex and not the formation of the
organs.
Life Begins Later
According to Irving, the outcome of fertilization is a clump of cells without gender
assignment, and that life begins later in development (1999). Both McCormick and Grobstein
agree that fertilization results in a genetic person, but they disagree on whether or not this person
is a "developmental individual." McCormick argues that a zygote does not yet have a distinct
genetic identity (Irving, 1999). Some people believe that the pre-embryo stage just represents the
possibility of human life, and that it is not until implantation, which happens around 14 days
(about 2 weeks) after fertilization and before twinning is impossible, that human life really
begins. This concept is supported by the idea that one is not considered a whole human being
until one is capable of abstract thought, the feeling of pain and pleasure, and awareness of the
world outside oneself (Irving, 1999). Because of this, we may conclude that a zygote is not a
person, despite the fact that it is biologically a human being. Equally, there are many who believe
that a fertilized egg is not a person until it is implanted into the womb of a mother. It may take
around 14 days (about 2 weeks) from the time of conception for a fertilized egg to implant.
My viewpoint
Both arguments contain actual merits but contradict one another in key respects. I believe
conception represents the birth of a new, separate, and individual creature distinct from the
mother and father. The new creature is not just an extension of either parent but a new and
distinct living form. In scientific terms, conception signifies the emergence of a new and separate
genetic code. This unique code, separate from the mother and father, signifies the beginning of a
new life. During conception, sperm and egg fuse to produce the zygote, the first stage of human
development. This zygote includes the components essential to initiate cell division and the
development of a new life. Hence, conception is the biological moment the mother and father
become one. It is the moment when two independent biological entities join to produce a single,
unique, and distinct life. In addition, even before the zygote implants in the uterine wall, it
already has all the required components to start the process of human development. It can grow
into a fully developed human person; hence, it qualifies as a new and distinct life.
References
Irving, D. N. (1999). When do human beings begin? Scientific myths and scientific facts.
International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 19(3/4), 22-46.
doi:10.1108/01443339910788730
Poston, L., & Disney, L. (2010). When Does Human Life Begin? Conception and Ensoulment.
Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA. (2018, August 30). What Does Conception Mean for Pregnancy?
Plus, when does it occur? Retrieved from
https://www.healthline.com/health/womenshealth/what-does-conception-mean
