The House of Commons is now preparing to vote on Stephen Woodworth's private member's Motion 312 - a motion that, if approved, would have the federal government establish a committee to look at the legal definition of when human life begins, in the context of modern medical knowledge.

The present definition in the Criminal Code, subsection 223(1), which states that a child is not a human being until the moment of complete birth, dates back 400 years. Woodworth is asking that an open-minded, evidence-based study be carried out to determine when human life actually begins, based on today's knowledge and not on that of an archaic era.

But, whether this motion is passed or not, we know - in reality -that an unborn child is a unique human being. Scientists agree that a new, separate and distinct life occurs at the moment of fertilization and that this new life is that of a human being in its earliest stages of growth. The heart of this unborn child begins to beat at 21 days. All of its major organs and body systems are beginning to form by 4 weeks, and are fully formed by 12 weeks. The following six months are

needed, basically, to provide the time and nourishment for the unborn child to grow in length and weight.

But, because an unborn child in Canada is not considered to be a "person," it therefore has no rights, and can be aborted at any time throughout its nine months of development and growth. It is hard to comprehend how a child could become a "person" once it is born and yet is not a "person" just seconds before? How can this make sense to anyone?

Life Chain, an annual peaceful and prayerful witness to life, will be held this year on Sunday, September 30, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm along 15th Avenue, to share, with those in our community,the truth - that a baby, who is not yet born, is indeed a human child and, therefore, deserves protection and the right to life.

Laura Fowlie, President

Prince George ProLife Society