Nov 15 2006
The power of definitions
The Irish High Court just ruled that a frozen IVF embryo is not the same as an in utero embryo. This takes the entire question of embryonic personhood to a new level. Now there’s a separate category for embryos in a uterus, and ones outside. It brings up a critical question. Does physical location fundamentally change the character of an embryo?
They seem to have caught up with the US, in saying that yes, physical location DOES change the personhood status of the embryo. Why, I’m not sure. We’re already trying to redefine personhood in terms of abilities, especially when it comes to the end-of-life, which is disturbing enough. Now physical location changes things.
This qualifies for multiple categories on so many levels.
![[caedmonscall.net]](http://rmfo-blogs.com/images/ccneticon.jpg "The quasi-official fan site of Caedmon’s Call.")
![[derekwebb.net]](http://rmfo-blogs.com/images/dwneticon.jpg "The quasi-official fan site of Derek Webb.")