Unfolding a Post Roe World ~ Second Edition of The ABCQ of Conceiving Conception
By Francis Etheredge
and a New Forward by Kiki Latimer
ISBN-13:9798888700143
Publisher: Enroute Books and Media
Publication date: 11/30/2022
Pages:356
Product dimensions:6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.74(d)
Available in Paperback, Ebook, and Bulk
Thesis:
This second edition helps the reader to see more clearly both the “light” and the “dark” of seeking a stable account of the American Constitution, from the point of view of perceiving the right to life of all. But as with Poland’s perseverance in the Christian faith in the course of two atheistic types of social domination, and along with Germany and Italy’s protection of the human embryo, in different but complementary ways, we see that countries can have a vocation in world history. Thus, the ongoing debate on the 14th Amendment of the American Constitution has assumed a vocational witness on behalf of the whole human family. Francis clearly portrays that countries have a “vocation.” Additionally, he clearly identifies the light and the dark of the right to life for all and the implications of that globally.
The book itself emphasizes the gift of life, the conundrum of the question of when life begins, current treatments /therapies approved and unapproved in different countries in relation to the right to life. Francis further argues that countries have a role to play in their vocation to protect humanity, as well as to uncover the truths of what the right to life is on every dimension and level of life. He further emphasizes the importance of not only the family and the woman standing up for the right to life at all ages, but also, men and countries, for the sake of our common humanity. Going into detail about the actual laws and changes to laws in each country he drives home the truth that everyone has a right to life. While there is still the drudgery of the question of when the right to life actually begins vs. when it should begin or has been “passed” to begin in our current every politics and in individual lives…. Francis makes clear that science also has a role to play in the dynamics of this debate. While science takes a seat next to faith, reason, and law… the text stays grounded in faith as a guiding light.
Francis delightfully highlights the interconnectedness between nature in the world, and nature in humanity. Drawing references from plant life and the seed to human life and the beginning of humanity and life in the womb. He successfully presents a multi-faceted approach to a very complex topic. While he speaks to the gift of humanity, gift of life, and humanity being made in the image and likeness of God, he hints at the scientific dilemmas and dilemmas in terminology that the world faces in relation to the dehumanization of others including the dehumanization of children and infants. He also does not overlook the topic of abortion as some authors choose to avoid it.
When Francis addresses the viability of life, although most of his argument is very clear… there is one important point that seems to be glossed over. When it comes to a mother child relationship, A baby is still dependent on the mother outside of the womb as well... viability may include breastfeeding - in which case it is still receiving nutrients from the mother and the support system of the mother (or parent - if the father feeds the baby with a bottle of breastmilk in between times when the mother may not be available... the same thing with formula -the baby is still dependent on someone to feed them... and their life is still viable even though they are dependent on someone else). As he uses the seed example and of nature, the nature of the care of a child is dependent on someone else caring for them. We also see this in the womb through the nutrients passed through the umbilical cord (which Francis does go into detail on). This further begs the question of when life is viable or considered life… I would argue the life of the baby is viable at time of conception, when it is dependent on someone for the nutrients it needs and growth and development it needs, even if at moments, the mother may need to supplement her nutrients with vitamins etc…. as the nutrients are needed for cell change, growth and splitting, and even nutrients are need to ensure sperm count and that sperm get to the egg, and for eggs to be viable… I would argue the life of the baby is viable when the sperm and egg meet and fertilization takes place. And I would argue the baby is alive - as soon as the cells start to form - as in as soon as the sperm impregnates the egg and changes occur... because the cells are alive.
The book further addresses the area of brain development and current theories, issues and dilemmas…. but could have been taken a layer deeper as human brain development starts soon after conception and continues into early adulthood. The fetal brain begins to develop during the third week of gestation. Neural progenitor cells begin to divide and differentiate into neurons and glia, the two cell types that form the basis of the nervous system. This is why people will play music for children in utero etc... talk to their baby while in utero, rub their bellies etc.. the baby is not brain dead... the babies neurons are being grown throughout this time, as well as the nutrients passed for them to grow and develop in utero... just as a flower bud blossoms and blooms (for more information please go to this link).
Additionally, as the question continues about the rights of the child… and ages … when in doubt, I usually refer to the UN Charter and UN documentation as these are more of a global standard. Given the Convention on the Rights of the Child - the document states in Article 6: States Parties recognize that every child has the inherent right to life. Article 2 states: States Parties shall ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child. Furthermore, in the case of this document Article 1 clearly states: For the purposes of the present Convention, a child means every human being below the age of eighteen years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained. This further brings to the foreground the rights of the child which includes infants and those in utero since they are under the age of 18. For further information on Convention on Rights of the Child, please go to this link.
While I do recognize there was only so much room in the book to flesh out different topics, I have included a deeper analysis above to bring more in light of the dilemmas and questions of ethics / bioethics that keep popping up in relation to this topic.
Francis Etheredge did a fabulous job presenting the many arguments and dilemmas in relation to this topic, and the current world situation. We are thankful for this book and the contribution that Francis Etheredge has made to this field by publishing this work. To my delightful surprise, there was also a list of resources at the end of the book for support for men, women, and families in relation to these topics. A five-star for Francis as most people do not include additional resources, avenues or ways to help others when delving so deeply into the ins and outs of this complex issue. Francis’ book begins to start the conversation and open the pathway of how to address some of the dilemmas and issues in a post-roe world when many have not wanted to enter into the “drudgery” of the topic and the conundrum of the questions and issues.
He has earned a BA Div (Hons), MA in Catholic Theology, PGC in Biblical Studies, PGC in Higher Education, and an MA in Marriage and Family (Distinction). He is a collaborator of the Dignitas Personae Institute for Nascent Human Life.
