Wyantry Loc: SW Colorado

At one time, “life” was not considered to take place until the first detectable movement in the womb, the “quickening”. This occurs usually between 15 to 17 weeks (Four months, +- a week). Slightly earlier for subsequent pregnancies.

From Wikipedia:
“Usually, quickening occurs naturally at about the middle of a pregnancy. A person pregnant for the first time (i.e., a primigravida person) typically feels fetal movements at about 18–20 weeks, whereas a person who has given birth at least once (i.e., a multi-gravida person) will typically feel movements around 15–17 weeks.
History of abortion law debate:
“ . . . Historically, quickening has sometimes been considered to be the beginning of the possession of "individual life" by the fetus. British legal scholar William Blackstone explained the subject of quickening in the eighteenth century, relative to feticide and abortion: ‘Life... begins in contemplation of law as soon as an infant is able to stir in the mother's womb.’ “.

This was pushed back to the time-of-conception by the Catholic church due to their anti-abortion stance.

It seems logical to consider that life begins when movement is detectable, and that abortion after that event should be more restricted.
This would mean that until movement is detectable (the 20 week time) abortion-on-demand would be allowable.
Abortion after that time would only be considered for medical and psychological reasons, and in cases of rape or incest.
Otherwise, the mother might be encouraged to carry to term and potentially surrender the infant for adoption.

This would likely not please anyone on either side of a very contentious argument, but if some movement could be made on each side the conflict could be settled.

Yes, I know: “Never Happen!”

anotherview Loc: California

The Catholic Church, the religionists, and the antiabortion fanatics remain totally opposed to abortion and not subject to reason. They do not accept the ruling of the Supreme Court legalizing abortion on demand by the female. In effect, we have two absolutes facing each other.

This ruling has become settled law. It has become the law of the land.

This status of the legal right to abortion on demand infuriates some in the antiabortion movement. They feel compelled to impose their view on others. This arrogant approach offends others.

And so on.