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We're splitting hairs here. Yes, that one study showed fetal pain at 8 weeks. Another shows it at 7.5 weeks.

Further support comes from the work of Fitzgerald (1987, 1994), who has reviewed the biological development of the fetus and examined the possibility of fetal pain at each stage of development. At 7.5 weeks’ gestation, reflex responses to somatic stimuli begin, and touching the perioral region results in a contralateral bending of the head.

The bottom line is that we should give these children the benefit of the doubt - we should err on the side of caution, should we not?

Let's work together to eliminate all abortions after the 6th week. Then we'll start discussing what to do about those before the 6th week.

Further support comes from the work of Fitzgerald (1987, 1994), who has reviewed the biological development of the fetus and examined the possibility of fetal pain at each stage of development. At 7.5 weeks’ gestation, reflex responses to somatic stimuli begin, and touching the perioral region results in a contralateral bending of the head.

I saw that as well, but it just indicates that some of the pathways are being laid down at that point. Not enough of the pain system is in place at 7.5 weeks for the pain to be felt. Only pathways for reflex actions are in place which do not flow to the brain.

I don't want you to get the wrong idea - i appreciate the link. I just want to make sure that we don't grab onto shaky science to try to prove a point. We don't have to because there are so many other solid pieces of science that we can point out at the 8 week stage.

The fetal pain in the first trimester is easily cast into doubt by pro-choicers. Honestly, it is hard to know who is right - most people don't have a biological or medical background so it will all be confusing to them. If they see contradictory evidence they may decide that the pro-lifers are playing fast and loose with the facts.

Pro-choicers can't refute, however, things like a beating heart during the first trimester. They also can't refute after the 2nd trimester. I'm just saying that seems like it would be best to use the huge stockpile of irrefutable evidence and not mix in some that is debatable.