Embryo Value

There are some who argue that embryos are not persons because they are not yet capable of cognition, self-awareness, the formulation of desires, and the creation of future directed desires. How we know what an embryo knows is a bit of a puzzler. Putting that question aside, should we not note that the embryo possesses internally the knowledge and power to divide and specialize itself from a single cell into a highly complex, multi-functioning being. We don’t need to argue the embryo consciously manipulates this information and power. The question remains, however, why these other attributes: cognition, communication, etc., should somehow be of greater value than these design powers. In some very important senses, it appears that embryos are more advanced and intelligent than adults. Let us admit that it is not value that makes the big difference; the big difference is vulnerability. At present, our society has decided it is in the right to destroy the vulnerable, because it has the power to do so. – E.O.