title: Construction vs. development: polarizing models of human gestation.
abstract: This essay argues that the polarization of our public debate over embryo-destructive research may be due, to a large extent, not to different valuations of individual human life but to different conceptions of the process of gestation, with one group treating the process as a making or construction and the other treating it as a development. These two incompatible models of reproduction are shown to explain the various positions commonly encountered in this debate over the treatment of embryos, and to a significant degree those encountered in the debate over abortion as well. Finally, the historical, theoretical, and intuitive strengths of each model are examined.
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Stith
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D033421:Beginning of Human Life / Q000941:ethics; D032882:Comprehension; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D033041:Embryo Research / Q000941:ethics; D047108:Embryonic Development; D026689:Ethical Analysis; D028663:Ethical Theory; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007603:Jurisprudence; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011247:Pregnancy; D012660:Semantics; D057905:Stem Cell Research / Q000941:ethics; D014481:United States