AIBU to think a foetus is alive before birth?

[Mmmchocolatebuttons]

I had a discussion with someone, who believes that a foetus is not alive, until the point they are born. They also asserted that this was not an uncommon view. I have a hard time believing this so I'm putting it to the AIBU poll.

To be clear, I'm pro choice, but I do believe that, for example, a 30 week foetus is factually, scientifically considered to be alive.

Surely, even if you're pro-choice all the way up until birth, you accept that the foetus is alive?

YABU = A foetus is not alive, until birth.
YANBU = A foetus is alive in the womb.

Of course it’s alive, so is a tumour or flower.

I never understand that argument when it comes to abortions though as just because something is alive doesn’t mean it’s a conscious being or can survive on its own.

When a baby is born it can survive outside the womb because of the size and strength of its heart, lungs, ability to breathe. swallow, digest etc. I don’t mean independently like it can walk and talk.

But for the mostpart before birth a foetus is only alive whilst the mother’s body keeps it alive. A foetus / baby born before it can perform life sustaining actions is still alive but will not be able to survive without the host (mother).

A baby cannot survive without an adult to look after it even after birth so whether something can survive is not relevant to whether it is alive or not. Of course a baby in the womb is alive - it is the start of a new life! It isn't dead until the point of birth and then magically comes alive!!

When we talk about a baby surviving we don’t mean self sufficiency, we mean stay alive without medical assistance.

My twin son was stillborn at 30 weeks, he died the morning before I gave birth, his twin brother survived the birth but died in the NICU 3 days later. Within the space of 3 days I lost my two sons. They were both 3lbs, beautiful and perfect. You couldn't tell how ill they were by looking at them. They are gone two years now but my little boy who was stillborn was my baby just like his brother, he may not have taken a breath of air outside of my womb, but I felt him kick, saw him wave, he was very much alive. Scientifically he may not be classed as such but that changes nothing for me. Miss them both every day x

YANBU. I have had two abortions, within first trimester and both required GA.

The second (22yrs) was harder than the first (19yrs) for me emotionally and mentally.

I was actutely aware within weeks of the second one in my early twenties that this was a human being I was carrying. It affects me every day 20 years later and as I get older.

No one will ever convince me that I didn't abort a human in two radically different life situations and ages (mine). And that there is a need to abort until birth a healthy baby i.e. up until birth and /or viability.

A fetus is alive before birth and any feminist/other argument against that can get in the bin.

It is now!

A baby can survive if its adopted. Agree with the rest of what you've said.

They are biologically alive. They might not legally be a person until they are born but they are living. Just because they’re not ‘legally’ a person it doesn’t mean they aren’t alive

Of course it's alive. No amount of mental gymnastics can change that.

Surely the question is whether it's a person? Or what rights, if any, it should possess.

Lots of things are alive. Moss is alive, dandelions are alive.... it doesn't add much to an argument either way 🤷‍♀️

Could you provide a link please?

I think it's baby from conception

I also think abortion should be as early as possible and as late as necessary, including having euthanasia available post birth for babies born with life limiting conditions who will suffer in pain for a few days/weeks before passing naturally.

So what you’re saying is proving what the poster said ‘A baby cannot survive without an adult to look after it even after birth’… even if they’re adopted they still need an adult to look after them

https://care.org.uk/news/2026/03/lords-move-to-decriminalise-abortion-up-to-birth

They wouldn’t be charged with murder if that’s what you mean

What do you mean by this? "having euthanasia available post birth for babies born with life limiting conditions who will suffer in pain for a few days/weeks before passing naturally."

OK?

Do they mean nit yet a person as not yet born?
Regardless, what a weird thing to say and a bizarre way of thinking that a baby/foetus is not alive while it is indeed growing and living inside the womb.

Or psychological reasons. I don't think whether a foetus is alive is the primary consideration. The mother's autonomy of choice and wellbeing is paramount.

Well they should be, if someone harms a pregnant woman and the baby dies it shoulf be murder

But people say they lose a baby when they have a miscarriage but go on about it only being only cells when they want an abortion

Yes, it is alive. It has a heartbeat and functioning organs.
I’ve never had an abortion and I can’t imagine what it feels like to make that decision but it doesn’t change the fact that the foetus is alive.

Yes they are alive but it means very different t things at different stages. Alive as in literally just has a heartbeat initially. Then alive but can move, alive and can perceive different sensations including pain and so on. I think it’s ok to accept a foetus is alive and also be pro choice whilst having an acceptance of that life and being of a strong enough mind to know that it is sometimes necessary to end that life at whatever stage is needed.

That said with the abortion I had I really rushed to do it as early as possible as i was actually aware I wanted to avoid doing it at a stage when it was a recognisable human and might have felt pain. I know some people aren’t able to make early choices as they may not find out till later on. I think it’s ok to acknowledge life but also accept there is a need for abortion to exist.

Up until birth? Going to the OPs question.

For severe medical issues (as per the law I think ?) then yes

As I thought.