In 1981 the human embryo and fetus were central figures in bioethical discussions. New
diagnostic and therapeutic techniques made the human fetus seem more like a
distinguishable patient, especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Within the legislative arena, the question of abortion was vigorously debated in hearings
before the US Congress. Two distinct approaches to the abortion question emerged—one
based on a proposed statute, the other based on a proposed constitutional amendment …