Early Life

DISCUSS with your partner- Abortion Aim: To explore the development of a foetus and consider my own opinion on when life begins. STARTER: DISCUSS with your partner- Q – If all life is sacred, does this apply if the babies life has not ‘begun’ because it is not yet born?

WARNING! This term we will be looking at the issue of abortion and the issues surrounding it. Abortion provokes very strong views from people which you may not agree with however, all opinions will be respected by everyone. You must also remember that you do not know all the issues that are going on in people’s lives so if you do have an opinion try not to offend anyone. If any of the issues we come across do effect you, there are people for you to talk to.

When does life begin?

Complete the ‘Timeline’ worksheet as we go through 12 Weeks 1 6 Weeks 2 Weeks 20 Weeks 24 Weeks 34 Weeks 37 Weeks 21 Weeks Conception 6 Weeks 14 Weeks 18 Weeks 30 Weeks 36 weeks 40 Weeks - Birth

Conception DAY 1 The sperm and ovum join. The cell is smaller than a grain of salt, but has all 46 chromosomes, a complete genetic blueprint. DAYS 3-4 The fertilised egg travels towards the uterus through the fallopian tube. Cells divide.

2 weeks DAYS 10-14 The embryo releases chemicals and hormones that prevent the mother from Menstruating (having a period).

DAY 20 Foundations of the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system are already established.

3 weeks DAY 21 The heart begins to beat.

5 weeks DAY 35 Fingers and toes have formed. Blood is now pumping.

6 weeks DAY 40 Brain waves are detectable and recordable. Nostrils have formed.

7 weeks DAY 28 Limbs and muscles begin to show. The spine starts forming. Eyes, ears and nose have started to form.

8 weeks / 2 months 8 weeks It is now termed a foetus. It contains everything that a fully grown human being has. The foetus is touch sensitive.

8 weeks

9 weeks The foetus has fingerprints and can move its hands. The baby has begun movement (used to be known as ‘quickening’.

10 weeks The foetus can squint, swallow and wrinkle its forehead.

11 weeks The foetus can now urinate and make facial expressions. Hair and nails have started to grow.

12 weeks The foetus sleeps and awakens and moves its muscles. Ears shift to the side of the head.

13 weeks Hair has begun to grow and sexual differentiation is apparent.

15 weeks

16 weeks / 4 months The mother has started to show. The foetus can hear. Weighs the same as a letter.

18 weeks

19 weeks

20 weeks / 5 months The foetus responds to sound and the mother can feel movement. Half way through the pregnancy.

21 weeks 22 weeks

A premature baby born at 22 weeks

Legal Limit / Cut off period for which abortion is allowed 6 months / 24 weeks 24 Weeks – Legal Limit / Cut off period for which abortion is allowed

25 weeks 27 weeks

7 months The baby can use four of its five senses and can recognize its mothers voice

9 months The baby is now fully capable of living outside the womb. Birth usually occurs between 266 and 294 days

So, When does life begin?

Development of a foetus 2 weeks (14 days) Eyes, ears & nose are forming 2.5 weeks (18 days) Heart starts beating 4 weeks (28 days) The sex organs have begun to develop 5 weeks (35 days) The baby’s nervous system is developed 6 weeks (42 days) Brain waves can be measured 8 weeks (56 days) All organs present & functioning 12 weeks (84 days) The brain is fully formed 13 weeks (91 days) Hair begins to grow 17 weeks (120 days) Ensoulment takes places (Muslim Belief) 20 weeks (140 days) The foetus could possibly survive if born 40 weeks (280 days) The normal length of a pregnancy

Complete the 'when does life begin' worksheet

Abortion: the Definition. The Medical Dictionary Definition - COPY Abortion: In medicine, an abortion is the premature exit of the products of conception (the foetus, foetal membranes, and placenta) from the uterus.

Does life begin at the same time for animals too?

What would a foetus pray for? I am not yet born. Console me. I fear that the human race may With tall walls, wall me With strong drugs, dope me With wise lies, lure me On black racks, rack me In blood baths, roll me I am not yet born. Provide me With water to dandle me Grass to grow for me Trees to talk to me Birds and a white light in the back of my mind to guide me I am not yet born Forgive me. Extract from ‘Prayer before birth’ by Louis MacNeice

What would a foetus pray for? Using the ‘Prayer before Birth’ – think about the FEARS and HOPES an unborn baby may have… Write the fears and hopes for an unborn baby into a poem

They will be used for display HOMEWORK What would a foetus pray for? Write fears and hopes for an unborn baby into a poem up NEAT into the outline of a foetus sheet Use different coloured pencils. They will be used for display

Listen to this song….. Isn't she lovely. Isn't she wonderful. Isn't she precious. Less than one minute old. I never thought through love we'd be Making one as lovely as she. But isn't she lovely made from love. Isn't she pretty Truly the angel's best Boy, I'm so happy We have been heaven blessed I can't believe what God has done Through us he's given life to one But isn't she lovely made from love Isn't she lovely Life and love are the same Life is Aisha The meaning of her name Londie, it could have not been done Without you who conceived the one That's so very lovely made from love