[hocndoc]

The sperm cell is at the end of differentiation, a highly specialized cell which only contains the genetic material of the male who generates it. It is a motile cell which can be removed from the originating body without the death of the male. The sperm cell will not differentiate further and will not live more than a couple of days, even in the most perfect environment.

When the sperm nucleus fuses with the oocyte nucleus, the sperm ceases to exist. The nuclear and cytoplasmic material of the sperm is now mingled with the oocyte nucleus and cytoplasm in such a way that the two can't be separated without causing the death of the new entity. That new entity is a zygote, which, in the proper environment, will divide, differentiate, grow and develop.

[beavus]

Thank you very much for those descriptions. I don't disagree with any of it. In particular, I agree with you that a sperm is alive.

However, it doesn't explain to me what the good Primate meant when he refered to "human life" as apparently excluding all forms of human life except the implanted fertilized egg. You and I agree that a human sperm is alive (when it is not dead). We also agree that it is human. Do we agree that it is a human life?

[supercat]

When the sperm nucleus fuses with the oocyte nucleus, the sperm ceases to exist. The nuclear and cytoplasmic material of the sperm is now mingled with the oocyte nucleus and cytoplasm in such a way that the two can't be separated without causing the death of the new entity. That new entity is a zygote, which, in the proper environment, will divide, differentiate, grow and develop.

So the collection of biological matter that collectively comprise the sperm and the egg do not constitute a living human being until suddenly--poof--that collection of biological matter does constitute a living human being.

Am I understanding you to that point?