Medical “advances” have made the simple act of human reproduction bafflingly complex, and inconsistent vocabulary adds to the difficulty of debating pro-life issues. Here is a guide to essential terms.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill that would make it illegal to carry out an abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected.

Ideological adversaries sparred over what criteria make a fetus capable of experiencing pain.

For the rare cases in which mothers consider late-term abortions to spare infants from pain, perinatal hospice programs offer a compassionate and life-affirming alternative.

In a statement released April 6, Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley condemned the bills, calling them "threatening to human life and dignity."

“Our nation is better than infanticide,” the archbishop said. “Babies born alive during the process of abortion deserve the same care and medical assistance as any other newborn.”