Expert: Doctor Joan - 11/25/2007

Question
Hi. Is it true that women who have abortions are committing murder? That the fetus has a hearbeat, and can feel pain? I am thinking of getting an abortion, but my boyfriend is trying to make me feel guilty. He caleld me a "selfish whore" and a "murderer" which really angered and hurt me. I am thinking of breaking up with him. The truth is though, that it did bother me. I don't want to kill a human being, but is a fetus a human being? THank you.

Miranda

Answer
Hi Miranda,
There are many misconceptions about early pregnancy.  There is no visible embryo until you are between 9-10 weeks pregnant.  On ultrasound, the cells that later form the heart begin to beat - long before a heart develops - at about 7 weeks of pregnancy.  You may find reading earlyabortion.com helpful.  Abortion is a legal medical service; and not murder.  Murder is a criminal act.  
Good luck with your decision.
Doctor Joan