When life begins: a challenging question

IN his column (Irish Examiner, November 22), Steven King attempted to ridicule the view that new life should be afforded full human dignity from the point of conception.

He might at least have acknowledged that this view is based on the fact that, at conception, the new entity is genetically equal to, yet genetically distinct from, both parents.

From then on the difference is purely the level of development.

In spite of what he says about the human “ability to develop moral arguments and to draw moral distinctions”, as with many opponents of the ‘humanity from conception’ position, he allows himself the luxury of refraining from stating his own view as to when humanity begins, hence evading the need for cogent argument in support of such a view.

Should he revisit this subject (and I feel sure he will), he might consider stating his views and the reasons for them.

Mr King might also spare a thought for those bewildered yet apparently unthinking pro-lifers who are at a loss as to why survivors of miscarriages are often termed ‘miracle babies’, while the simultaneous termination of similar or even more advanced pregnancies can be termed ‘positive options.’

Rory O’Donovan

111 Sunday’s Well Road,

Cork