Chapter 18: Myth—Abortion Doesn’t Matter

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Myth—Abortion Doesn’t Matter

Week 6 — The embryo is about 1/2 inch and has a four chambered heart and nostrils. Fingers and toes begin to form. Reflex activity begins

with the development of the brain and nervous system.

Week 8 — The fetus, until now called an embryo, is about 1 1/4 inches long with the head making up about half this size and weighs less

than 1/2 ounce. The beginnings of all key body parts are present, although they are not completely positioned in their final locations. Structures that will form eyes, ears, arms and legs are identifiable.

Week 10 — The fetus is about 1 1/2 inches from head to rump, weighing about 1 1/2 ounces. Fingers and toes are distinct and have nails. The fetus begins small, random movements, too slight to be felt. The fetal heartbeat can be detected with a Doppler or heart monitor.

Week 12 — The fetus is about 3 1/2 inches from head to rump and weighs about 2 ounces. The fetus begins to swallow, the kidneys make urine, and blood begins to form in the bone marrow. Joints and muscles allow full body movement.

Week 14 — The fetus is about 4 3/4 inches from head to rump and weighs 4 ounces. The head is erect and the arms and legs are developed.

Week 16 — The fetus is about 5 inches from head to rump and weighs about 6 ounces. The skin is pink and transparent and the ears stick out from the head.

Week 18 — The fetus is about 6 1/4 inches from head to rump, weighing about 10 ounces. All organs and structures have been formed, and a period of simple growth begins. Respiratory movements occur, but the lungs have not developed enough to permit survival outside the uterus. By

this time the woman may feel the fetus moving.

Week 20 — The fetus is about 7 1/2 inches from head to rump, has fingerprints and perhaps some head and body hair, weighing about one

pound (16 ounces). There is little chance before this time that a baby could