Right to Life:

The phrase Right to Life describes the belief that a human being has an indisputable right to live and not be killed by another human being. The concept is central to debates on the issues of capital punishment, euthanasia, self defense, abortion, and war. The United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, makes it a legally enforceable right in every United Nations member state that: "Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life." — Article 6.1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Pro Life Advocacy

Pro-life advocates argue that human fetuses (as well as embryos and zygotes) are unborn human beings who have the same fundamental right to life as that of a human being after birth. In general, those supporting the "right-to-life" concept are strongly opposed to abortion, euthanasia, and sometimes embryonic stem cell research.

Historical Precedents and International Law

Historically, the taking of human life has been strongly condemned by most world religions and philosophies. International human rights laws have consistently upheld this sanction in a number of treaties wherein the life of an individual is protected from being arbitrarily taken by a government.

However, there are situations where governments may deprive individuals of life where international human rights law does not object. The death penalty is an example. Human rights laws do not prohibit the use of the death penalty as punishment for certain crimes, but do encourage its abolition and seek to limit its use. The use of deadly force in certain situations of self-defense is also justified. Killing is permitted at times of war with the exception of civilians and prisoners of war. Human rights laws try to address the various ethical dilemmas raised by the belief in an inalienable right to life, but it is a broad field.

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