Section 223 (1) - One Citizen's View

1. Are you satisfied with the definition of a human being as it is currently written? YES or NO
   
   Section 223(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada states: "A child becomes a human being within the meaning of this Act when it has completely proceeded, in a living state, from the body of its mother whether or not (a) it has breathed, (b) it has an independent circulation, or (c) the navel string is severed."
   
   Answer: NO
   

2. If you think the definition of a human being needs to be amended, when do you think an unborn child should be considered a human being or deserves legal protection?
   (a) At the point of conception?
   (b) When the baby's brain waves can be detected?
   (c) When the baby starts to move within the womb?
   (d) When the baby is able to survive outside the womb?
   (e) At some other point during the pregnancy? Please explain:
   
   Answer: (a) At the point of conception.

Explanation: Conception is the only definable point in the "process" of becoming a human being. Every other point is at best indefinable in any accurate sense of the term: and at worst far past the time of ready definition (as in the presently legalized "completed birth" definition where the baby has been recognizably a human being for weeks and months)

There are many other criteria that support the "point of conception" definition -- but this is neither a speech nor a treatise.

R . J Van Seters