The idea that a fetus can feel pain is
not supported by evidence according to a new clinical review published
in the British Medical Journal.
In a paper which assesses current psychological and biological research
on fetal pain, Dr Stuart Derbyshire from the University of Birmingham,
School of Psychology argues that although fetuses are capable of producing
a biological response to a pain stimulus, this does not mean they feel
pain.
The paper concludes that the basic physical mechanisms we need to
feel pain develop in a fetus from about the 26th week of pregnancy.
Peripheral free nerve endings, which act as sensors for pain, reach
full maturity between 23 and 25 weeks, and form a complete link with
the thalamus and cortex by about 26 weeks. Around the same stage the
thalamus and cortex develop important features of maturity.
The article argues that this biological response to a noxious or potentially
dangerous stimulus, which is produced by almost all animals, is not
sufficient for the experience of pain.
Dr Derbyshire explains:
“ Experiencing pain is more than simply
producing a biological response to a stimulus. It is something that
comes from our experiences and develops due to stimulation and human
interaction. Pain involves concepts such as location, feelings of unpleasantness
and having the sensation of pain. Pain becomes possible because of
a psychological development that begins at birth when the baby is separated
from the protected atmosphere of the womb and is stimulated into wakeful
activity.”
In the United States there have been a number of legal challenges
to try to force all doctors to provide pain killing injections to a
fetus before an abortion is carried out.
Dr Derbyshire continues:
“ The issue of fetal pain has become central to the ongoing
battles about abortion in the US. However, the absence of fetal pain
does not
resolve the morality of abortion, but it does provide a strong argument
against legal efforts to provide pain killing injections for the fetus
during the procedure.”
The paper: “Can fetuses feel pain” – is published
in the British Medical Journal (BMJ Volume 332).
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those of IvyRose Ltd.. Material in this news item was released
by the University of Birmingham (England, UK), on 14 April
2006. For further information, please visit their website
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