There is increasing evidence to show that a foetus may feel pain as early as 12 weeks gestation. Currently the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “Facts are Important”, states that foetal pain cannot occur before 24 weeks gestation. Updated findings, particularly from two studies done in 2016, suggest that subcortical structures develop much earlier than 24 weeks and are enough for perception of pain. The ACOG’s “Facts are Important” does not reflect these studies and has not been updated since 2013. The Charlotte Lozier Institute recommends the ACOG makes several revisions.
