The beginning of human life and its modern scientific assessment.
One of the most controversial topics in modern bioethics, science, and philosophy is the beginning of individual human life. In the seemingly endless debate, strongly stimulated, by recent technologic advances in human reproduction, a synthesis between scientific data and hypothesis, philosophical thought, and issues of humanities has become a necessity to deal with ethical, juridical, and social problems. Furthermore, in this field there is a temptation to ask science to choose between opinions and beliefs, which neutralize one another. The question of when human life begins requires the essential aid of different forms of knowledge. Here we become involved in the juncture between science and religion, which needs to be carefully explored.
Kurjak
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Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School University of Zagreb, Sveti Duh Hospital, Sveti Duh 64, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. asim.kurjak@public.srce.hr
D033421:Beginning of Human Life; D001675:Bioethics; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D033042:Fetal Research; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D010684:Philosophy; D011247:Pregnancy; D012067:Religion