Dear John,
As we anticipate the Dobbs decision, it’s an excellent time to brush up on what we know about babies in the womb.
7 quick facts about fetal development:
- Fertilization of the egg by a sperm results in a new, unique and individual human organism with its own DNA.
- An infant’s first heartbeat occurs by the time she is 22 days old.
- Brain activity has been detected in infants as early as 6.5 weeks.
- By nine weeks, the fetus has grown every major organ.
- Studies have indicated that a fetus feels pain at 16 weeks or earlier.
- At 20 weeks, the fetus practices breathing, crying and begins developing a wake-sleep cycle.
- In the last four months, the fetus starts differentiating sounds and tastes.
By equipping ourselves with the facts about fetal development, we prepare to advocate for policy that will protect vulnerable lives.
Because everyone deserves an advocate,
Lois Anderson
Executive Director
