https://doi.org/10.4081/mem.1995.959
The foundations of embryo's human rights: ethical and juridical considerations (II)
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The artide (the first part of which was published in "Medicina e Morale" 1995/5:951-984) analyses what ethics are appropriate for the definition of the biological statute of the embryo. After critically illustrating the various philosophical positions on the matter, the author considers that the recognition of the relationship between the biological and the ethical order is essential for clear reflection. This connection responds to the need to find natural standpoints to which one can anchor the reasoning and the regulations that discipline individual life and civil order in the protection of the right to life. It is therefore a question of stating that the order implicit in human nature can constitute the reference point for a person's behaviour. The paper continues by arguing that the embryo has essential rights with respect to the mother, the first of which is the right to life, from the moment of fertilization. The embryo is therefore to be legally protected like a human person. In the light of what has been said, the author examines whether there exists a woman's right to abortion and comes to a negative conclusion. The artide concludes by hoping that the relevant institutions in the various countries will promulgate a "Declaration of the rights of the embryo", respecting what is stated in Art. 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "Each individual has the right to life, freedom and personal safety".
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