Unborn children develop “adult-like” nervous networks by the end of the first trimester, according to a study published in March examining human development in utero.
The study sought to begin composition of a “3D human cell atlas,” using high-resolution images of whole human embryos and fetal organs toward this end.
Progressive embryonic nerve development in the right hand between 7 and 11 weeks of gestation.
3D imaging depicting peripheral nerve development between 7 and 8 weeks of gestation.
The abstract’s summary describes the study as furthering understanding of human development:
This work paves the way for a cellular and molecular reference atlas of human cells, which will be of paramount importance to understanding human development in health and disease.
Arina Grossu highlights the study’s finding as advancing the cause to afford sanctity to unborn children:
In our culture, there are those who will have more compassion for animals than for babies who are given a death sentence because of their age and location. We will continue to fight until every one of these vulnerable preborn babies are protected — by our laws and our culture. It is not enough to recognize that these children feel pain when aborted; we must empower those around us to make life-affirming choices. Only then will our nation become one where it is safe to be in the womb.
H/T Arina Grossu at Care-Net.
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