The Problem With Personhood

There is no consensus among biologists as to when personhood begins.

Different biologists have proposed that personhood begins at such events as fertilization, gastrulation, the acquisition of an EEG pattern, and birth. Other scientists claim that the acquisition of personhood is gradual or that the question of personhood is not a biological one.

The “science” debated in public discussions is not the set of conclusions based on biological research. Political discussions of reproduction are often based on false culturally-based stories.

Fertilization is falsely perceived as a race of sperm through a passive female, emphasizing male performance rather than interactions and mutual gamete maturation.

The genome is falsely depicted as one's soul, promoting the idea that fertilization is ensoulment. Genetic determinism is often assumed, and plasticity ignored.

The fetus is falsely depicted as a seed in nutritive soil, autonomous from the mother. The joint nature of maternal and fetal physiologies and anatomies are marginalized.

The false narratives combine to form a “pseudo-embryology” that influences our thoughts and laws.