When is a human considered an 'unborn child'?

The definition of an 'unborn child' as being from the time of fertilization to birth is widely accepted in various legal and medical contexts. This perspective recognizes the beginning of human life at fertilization when the sperm and egg combine to form a zygote, marking the start of a new genetic entity. This understanding aligns with laws that protect the unborn child from that point onward, reflecting the belief that life begins at conception.

In contrast, defining the 'unborn child' as being from the moment of conception to delivery may seem similar but is less precise because it doesn't explicitly include the fertilization process. The option focusing solely on the third trimester overlooks the legal frameworks that apply throughout the entirety of pregnancy. Moreover, the reference to the first heartbeat is too narrow, as it excludes the pre-heartbeat stages, which are also crucial in prenatal development. Thus, recognizing the unborn child from fertilization encompasses all stages of development up to birth, making this the most comprehensive definition.