“With consistency, beautiful and undeviating, human life from its commencement to its close, is protected by the common law. In the contemplation of law, life begins when the infant is first able to stir in the womb. By the law, life is protected not only from immediate destruction, but from every degree of actual violence, and in some cases, from every degree of danger.”

– James Wilson, as cited in “Lectures on Law,” Ch. 12, p. 597 in The Works of James Wilson. ed. Robert G. McCloskey (1967)

In his life, James Wilson was considered of the top leading authorities on legal scholarship and the most learned of the Founding Fathers who helped draft the United States Constitution.  His legacy is felt throughout not just American jurisprudence but throughout the world.  Due to this, I do think that a great deal of weight must be afforded Mr. Wilson in discussing the legal philosophies that underpin our republic.

Incorporated throughout the founding of our nation, the Founding Fathers placed particular emphasis on the primary consideration of natural law.  Among these rights so strongly supported and believed essential is the inalienable right to life.  Whether accepted by today’s society in general or not, to some degree and with few exceptions this inalienable right precludes, suicide, abortion and demands that the taking of life be done only with limited exceptions not for things such as convenience.

It is not my intention to exhaust the fullness of this topic here.  But to bring this out as worthy of consideration.  A great article on this filled with references and therefore citing to legal authorities worthy of the consideration of all is found here:

SANCTITY OF LIFE SATURDAY The Founding Fathers and the Right to Life