Life" becomes a different definition to people who want to use it for different purposes. For example, when examining the theory of evolution and the "beginning of life", a single-celled organism is viewed as "alive". In the exploration of outer space and the search for life on other planets, the first thing they look for is water, which is a huge factor in life. And, in the case of whether or not human life begins at conception, a lot of people say no because of the Supreme Court's definition of viability, in reference to Roe v. Wade, where they explain that viability is the ability to live outside the mother's womb. So, clearly "life" is often used in different ways to argue and debate different things. Well, let's look at life differently. Isn't it true that each person is given 46 chromosomes, 23 from the female and 23 from the male (mutations aside)? Well, if that's true, then isn't that zygote on its way to becoming a human being? Our genetic code is already being laid and our future traits are already starting to form their way into the person we will become. It is, as someone mentioned, like we are seeds blooming into trees. As soon as that seed is planted, just as soon as human life is conceived, isn't it already on its way to becoming a tree? Now, I understand as well as many, that this parallel isn't exactly synonymous with a human conception. For one, seeds are fine on their own before planted. Second, germination of the seed works a little differently. However, it is similar in the way I mentioned before, and in this way. Let's, for a moment, say that human life does not begin at conception. When, then, would it begin? At the 3rd month, as soon as the baby takes its first breath (also a point someone else mentioned), as soon as it leaves its mother's womb, as soon as it can think and process? Well, from that standpoint, let's go back to the seed. When does the seed become "alive"? When can one call it alive? When can one begin to actually refer to it as a tree? When it has sprouted from the ground? Because, we all know that the seed has already sprouted underneath the soil. The next part is just waiting for it to sprout and "breathe" so to speak. What about time? Is the seed now alive after 3 weeks? Now, the final thought is when it can think. I think we all can agree that plants don't have thought, so let's go back to the human for this analogy. Were we all "not alive" until we could think? Are plants all "not alive" until they can think? See, I don't believe the terms "alive" or "viable" should be different from species to species, or from organism to organism. Or, for that matter, from person to person who wants to achieve the purpose of "winning" a debate.