Is a Fetus a Parasite?

Score one for the Pro-Choice movement across the world, if you like.

Several nations in Europe have brought a new argument to the table in their discussion of abortion and the ethical question regarding a woman's right to terminate a pregnancy. The debate about abortion, unlike in North America, had been contained primarily within the houses of the intelligentsia throughout much of Western Europe. Most recently, however, Ethicists and Moralist alike have begun to explore a new term of reference in the abortion debate: Is a Fetus a Parasite?

There are obviously many categories of parasitics which have different relationships with hosts. Some parasites have symbiotic relationships with their hosts (mutually beneficial) and others do not - the most intriguing thing about the fetus question is this: in what way does a host (mother) benefit from the relationship? Pro-Life advocates argue that it is obvious that maternity is a means of genetic transference. The only thing is, Pro-life advocates (on the whole) do not generally believe in "Science" and think that babies are the result of "Magic." It seems odd that they would only use a particular argument when it suits their purposes.

If genetic transference is a prime mover in the biology of human beings, it might be argued, as they have been in France, that Human beings should have control over the ultimate purpose of their existence: to reproduce. As such, pro-choice advocates disagree with the notion that genetic transference should be protected from interference because first: pro-life advocates neither agree with the idea that genetics even exist or that they play some role in our reproduction and secondly: that the sacred protection of individual rights is paramount in supposed democracies and any limits to those freedoms should be treated with absolute animosity.

So is a fetus a parasite? Some suggest that because a parasite is usually a "foreign invader," a fetus immediately does not qualify because it is created from within. The question has arisen in some scientific circles, however, as to the nature of sperm and if it can be considered to be a new category of parasite. Sperm is a foreign invader and results in the growth of an animal that "leeches" off the host to its benefit. The new category is being considered to be an offshoot of parasites, somewhat like in "Aliens" where a parasitic creature combines with the DNA of the host to create a new creature.

Europe is an infinitely fascinating place...


Interestingly-Interesting!!