When does an individual have Rights?
It can be argued that Rights come from the moment of birth. It can also be argued that a person need comprehension to know of his/her Rights, to understand them, to claim them, and to insist on those Rights being respected.

Why would birth be a deciding factor in inheriting Rights? Would not the formation of cells within a woman, once society determines she's not having a chicken, cow or kangaroo, have Rights?

When does a birthed child assume Rights? Where does a parents obligatory Right to all aspect of that child's life and well being end?

How does a newborn have Rights whereas 6 months prior he/she had none? Does dependency factor in? Perhaps a certain amount of self awareness, comprehension and understanding?

I fell into a conversation with another group about the female genital mutilation that recently happened and it raised some questions about Rights, society and family.

I'm curious what my friends here say on the matter.


I've recently read on the topic:

Second Treatise of Government by Locke
John Locke: Natural Rights to Life, Liberty and Property by Jim Powell
John Locke and the Natural Law and Natural Rights Tradition by Steven Forde (http://nlnrac.org)