Fetal Pain

In 1984, President Reagan brought attention to fetal pain when he spoke at the Annual Convention of Religious Broadcasters saying, “Medical science doctors confirm that when the lives of the unborn are snuffed out, they often feel pain, pain that is long and agonizing.” Less than a month after his speech, The President received a letter from 26 medical doctors and professors of Anesthesiology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Maternal and Fetal Medicine joining him in ” drawing the attention of people across the nation to the humanity and sensitivity of the human unborn.” Since 1984 medical science has come even further in being able to determine when and how the body feels pain.

Five Quick Facts on Fetal Pain:

1. By the 6th month of pregnancy, pain receptors are present throughout the entire body.
2. Unborn babies react to painful stimuli by recoiling, just like an adult.
3. Application of painful stimuli to unborn is associated with a significant increase in stress hormones, triggering the stress response.
4. Doctors routinely use anesthesia on unborn babies during fetal surgery.
5. Fetal surgeons find it necessary to sedate unborn babies in order to prevent their violent movements in reaction to invasive surgery.

For more information, detailed evidence, and documentation please visit Doctors on Fetal Pain.