Is an Embryo a Person? | When Does Life Begin?

Summary

This video discusses the concept of personhood, arguing that it is not dependent on abilities or age but on our shared human nature. The speaker challenges the idea that embryos are not persons by comparing them to newborns, people under anesthesia, or those in a coma—who all lack certain abilities but are still considered persons. The video draws historical parallels to illustrate the dangers of denying personhood based on age, ability, race, or other characteristics. Ultimately, it advocates for recognizing the equal value of all human life, regardless of stage or capacity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Personhood is not determined by abilities such as thinking or talking; these traits do not define our humanity.
• 😀 The argument that embryos are not persons because they cannot perform certain functions overlooks the fact that other humans, such as those in comas or under anesthesia, also lack these abilities but are still considered persons.
• 😀 Our personhood is not dependent on age or development, and the argument that embryos are not persons because they are young fails to consider that personhood isn't tied to how old someone is.
• 😀 If age were the determining factor for personhood, then the elderly, who may lose their faculties, could also be denied their personhood, which is unacceptable.
• 😀 In the past, personhood was denied based on race, gender, and ethnicity, and these instances of injustice highlight how dangerous it is to exclude certain groups from recognition as persons.
• 😀 The denial of personhood based on characteristics such as age or ability echoes the historical mistreatment of marginalized groups, showing that these criteria should not be used to decide value.
• 😀 Our value as humans is rooted in our shared human nature, not our abilities, appearance, or stage of development.
• 😀 Just as we protect the offspring of endangered animals, we should also protect human embryos, recognizing their potential even if undeveloped.
• 😀 Personhood should not depend on what a being can do but rather on the inherent nature of being human, which remains consistent at all stages of life.
• 😀 Recognizing personhood in embryos means acknowledging that they are just younger versions of ourselves, deserving of the same protection and respect as older individuals.

Q & A

Why do some people hesitate to recognize embryos as persons?

Some people hesitate to recognize embryos as persons because they don't function in the same way that fully developed individuals do. Embryos can't think, talk, or exhibit typical behaviors associated with personhood, but this doesn't mean they aren't persons.

What are examples of people who can't think or talk, yet are still considered persons?

Examples include people who are under anesthesia, in a coma, or asleep, as well as newborns who cannot think or talk the way adults can. Despite these limitations, they are still considered persons.

Does our personhood depend on our age or abilities?

No, personhood does not depend on age or abilities. The argument that embryos aren't persons due to their undeveloped stage assumes that age determines personhood, but this logic would imply that elderly people could lose their personhood once they are too old to perform certain actions.

What is the problem with determining personhood based on age or abilities?

Determining personhood based on age or abilities leads to dangerous conclusions. For example, some humans have historically denied personhood to others based on factors like skin color or age, which we now recognize as morally wrong.

How does the argument about personhood in embryos relate to the treatment of people in history?

The denial of personhood to embryos based on their undeveloped stage is similar to historical instances where certain groups—such as women, African Americans, and Jews—were denied personhood based on characteristics like sex, race, or ethnicity. These denials were wrong, and the same reasoning should apply to embryos.

What makes us persons, according to the script?

Our personhood comes from our shared human nature, not from our abilities, appearance, or age. Whether we are embryos, infants, or elderly individuals, we have equal value as persons because of our inherent human nature.

How is the nature of an embryo similar to other living things like birds?

Just as it is the nature of birds to fly, it is the nature of humans to develop certain capacities, such as thinking or talking. Even if embryos cannot perform these capacities yet, it doesn't mean they are any less human. Their potential to develop these abilities is part of their nature.

Why is it important to protect embryos in the same way we protect endangered animals?

Embryos, like endangered animals, should be protected because they have intrinsic value based on their shared nature, not because of their current abilities. The protection of both reflects our commitment to recognizing the inherent worth of all beings in their different stages of development.

What does it mean to abandon the idea of equal human value?

Abandoning the idea that all humans have equal value based on their shared nature opens the door to justifying harmful discrimination. If personhood is determined by abilities or appearance, certain groups could be marginalized or mistreated, as seen in historical examples of racism and sexism.

How does the video argue for the equal value of embryos?

The video argues that embryos, despite not having fully developed abilities, should be recognized as persons based on their shared human nature. The fact that they are younger or undeveloped does not diminish their inherent value as human beings.