FOETAL VIABILITY Meaning and
Definition
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Foetal viability refers to the stage of pregnancy at which the unborn child has developed enough to survive outside the womb, with or without medical assistance. It is the point in gestation when the foetus has reached a level of maturity that allows it a reasonable chance of sustaining life outside the uterus. This term is particularly relevant in the context of legal, medical, and ethical discussions surrounding abortion and the rights of the unborn child.
The determination of foetal viability is based on various factors, including but not limited to the ability to breathe independently, maintain body temperature, and obtain nourishment. The specific gestational age at which a foetus reaches viability may vary, but it is usually considered to be around 24 weeks of pregnancy, or after the completion of the second trimester. However, advances in medical technology and treatment continue to push the limits of viability, as occasionally babies born before this stage can survive with the help of intensive medical care.
The concept of foetal viability is crucial in legal debates regarding reproductive rights, as it forms the basis for the regulations and laws surrounding abortion. Different jurisdictions have established different legal limits for when an abortion can be performed based on foetal viability. Beyond this point, restrictions on terminating a pregnancy become more stringent, recognizing the potential life that could be sustainably supported outside the mother's womb.
Overall, foetal viability represents the milestone in pregnancy when the foetus has developed enough to potentially survive independently outside the uterus, and it is a pivotal factor in the ongoing ethical and legal discussions surrounding reproductive rights and abortion access.
Etymology of FOETAL VIABILITY
The word "foetal" is derived from the Middle English term "fētus", which in turn comes from the Latin word "fētus" meaning "offspring" or "pregnancy". The term "viability" originates from the Latin word "vīvus", meaning "alive" or "capable of living". "Viability" refers to the ability of a living organism, such as a fetus, to survive on its own outside the womb. Therefore, "foetal viability" refers to the stage of pregnancy at which a fetus is capable of independent survival.
