In contrast, those who think abortion should be generally legal often use the word “fetus,” a clinical term derived from a Latin word meaning “offspring” or “newly delivered.”
[7] As explained by
Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary, a fetus is:
the unborn offspring in the postembryonic period, after major structures have been outlined, in humans from nine weeks after fertilization until birth.
[8]
Simply put, when referring to humans, the words “fetus” and “fetal” apply from nine weeks after fertilization until birth.
[9] [10] Yet, numerous major news organizations have misapplied these terms to both before and after this period.
[11] [12] [13] [14][15] [16]