Fetal development and the reality of abortion

At 8 weeks gestational age, the unborn child's heart has been beating for more than a month.

The results of a suction abortion at about 10 weeks gestation*. Learn more about suction abortions.

Fetal Development at 8 weeks

At a little more than an inch long, the developing life is now called a fetus - Latin for "young one" or "offspring." Everything is now present that will be found in a fully developed adult. The heart has been beating for more than a month, the stomach produces digestive juices and the kidneys have begun to function. Forty muscle sets begin to operate in conjunction with the nervous system. The fetus' body responds to touch. Fingerprints are evident in the skin.

Fetal Development at 11 weeks

At this time, the fetus is about two inches long. Urination occurs. The face has assumed a baby's profile, and muscle movements are becoming more coordinated. The fetus will curve it fingers around an object placed in its hand, can squint, swallow, and wrinkle its forehead. The fetus begins to sleep, awaken and exercise its muscles energetically - turning its head, curling its toes, and opening and closing the mouth.

At 14 weeks gestational age, this young one's ears can hear.

A dilation and curettage (D&C) abortion at 11 weeks removes a child from her mother's womb in pieces*. Learn more about D & D abortions.

Fetal Development at 15 weeks

The fetus is eight to ten inches in length and weighs a half a pound or more. Fine hair is growing on its head, and sexual differentiation is apparent. The ears are functioning and there is evidence that the fetus hears quite a bit: the mother's voice and heartbeat as well as external noises. The umbilical cord has become an engineering marvel, transporting 300 quarts of fluids per day and completing a round-trip of fluids every 30 seconds.

Fetal Development at 22 weeks

The baby is more than 12 inches long by now. The mother has definitely already begun to feel movement. If a sound is especially loud or startling, the fetus may jump in reaction to it. All the parts in the brain are in place for the baby to experience pain.

This unborn child continues to develop beautifully in her mother's womb. At 20 weeks gestation, this child enjoys a spacious womb in which to grow.

This child is the victim of a dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion method at about 22 weeks gestational age*. Learn more about (D&E) abortions.

Fetal Development at 24 weeks

Oil and sweat glands are functioning. The delicate skin of the growing baby is protected from the fetal waters by a special ointment called "vernix." If the baby was born now and given the proper care, he would survive.

Fetal Development at 28 weeks

The baby now uses the four senses of vision, hearing, taste, and touch. He can recognize his mother's voice.

This child did not survive the assault of a prostaglandin chemical abortion*. Learn more about chemical abortions.

Fetal Development at 32 weeks

The skin begins to thicken, with a layer of fat stored underneath for insulation and nourishment. Antibodies increasingly build up. The baby absorbs a gallon of amniotic fluid per day; the fluid is
completely replaced every three hours.

Fetal Development at 40 weeks

By this time the infant normally weighs 6 to 9 pounds, and his heart is pumping about 250 gallons of blood a day. He is fully capable of life outside the womb.

*To the best of his ability, Joseph L. DeCook, MD, American Association of Prolife Obstetricians and Gynecologists, has attested to the validity of these pictures and the abortion method used.

Abortion Methods

The Story of Life Before Birth

Abortion Statistics

No Justification for Abortion

If you are pregnant and scared, please call 1-800 57 WOMAN for free confidential help or visit www.teenbreaks.com.