Pro-Abortion Group Compares Unborn Babies to Bacteria

NARAL claims embryos and fetuses are 'alive' like bacteria, but that doesn't mean abortion should be illegal

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In one of their publications, the pro-abortion group NARAL states that 'Eggs and sperm are alive; so are bacteria and all plants and animals. Of course, embryos and fetuses are alive. That doesn't mean, though, that abortion should be illegal or that it constitutes murder.' The article argues that a preborn baby is more than merely 'alive' in the same sense as bacteria and plants, and is in fact a living human being.

Why it matters

This statement from NARAL reflects a broader debate around the moral and legal status of the unborn, with pro-life advocates arguing that a fetus is a living human being deserving of legal protection, while pro-choice groups contend that legal personhood begins at birth. The comparison of unborn babies to bacteria is seen by many as dehumanizing and dismissive of the unique nature of human life.

The details

The NARAL statement comes from one of their publications, where they argue that just because embryos and fetuses are 'alive' does not mean that abortion should be illegal or considered murder. They cite the Supreme Court's position that legal personhood begins at birth. However, pro-life advocates argue that a preborn baby is more than just 'alive' in the same way as bacteria or plants, and should be recognized as a living human being deserving of legal protection.

  • The NARAL statement was published in 2014 in the book 'Should Abortion Be Legal?' by Carla Mooney.

The players

NARAL

A pro-abortion advocacy group that has published statements comparing unborn babies to bacteria.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States, which has ruled that legal personhood begins at birth.

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What they’re saying

“Eggs and sperm are alive; so are bacteria and all plants and animals. Of course, embryos and fetuses are alive. That doesn't mean, though, that abortion should be illegal or that it constitutes murder.”

— NARAL (NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin 'Anti-Choice Statements – Pro-Choice Responses')

The takeaway

This debate over the moral and legal status of the unborn reflects a fundamental divide in views on abortion, with pro-life advocates arguing for the humanity and personhood of the fetus, and pro-choice groups contending that legal personhood begins at birth. The comparison of unborn babies to bacteria is seen by many as a dehumanizing tactic that dismisses the unique nature of human life.