Scientists say fetuses do not feel pain 


According to New Scientist, "Fetuses are unlikely to be able to feel pain until the last stage [30 weeks] of pregnancy," according to a recent U.S. study. 

Researchers at the University of California wrote in the Journal of the American Medical Association, "Fetal anaesthesia or analgesia should not be recommended or routinely offered for abortion because current experimental techniques provide unknown fetal benefit and may increase risks for the woman."

New Scientist reported, "Fetal awareness of pain would require nerve connections to a region of the brain called the thalamus to be wired and working. But the studies analysed suggest this does not exist before 29 to 30 weeks." 

Posted: Wednesday - September 28, 2005 at 12:29 AM          

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