The pro-choice/pro-life debate has raged on for several years. Despite the rallies and protests, the debates and political maneuvering, I do not believe either side has adequately addressed the more complex questions.

What is it that constitutes a human life? When does human life end? And what person or persons should have the right to decide these questions?

The death of a human being is no simple matter. We are made up of a host of living creatures and systems.

Even if there is complete brain death, medical science can maintain the functioning of my body. I do not call this human life.

If this aid is removed, not all systems and cells in my body will decide to immediately die. Indeed, there are some microorganisms, every bit as important to the functioning of a human body as my cellular systems, that will thrive for quite some time after my demise.

Long after this, my cells will still contain all of my genetic information. In fact, scientists have recovered DNA from mammoth carcasses in the arctic and at the La Brea Tar Pits. No one claims that this genetic material is a living mammoth.

For myself, the questions concerning human life and human death come mainly down to just two.

The first question is when does a human mind come into existence. I do not believe that the zygote immediately after conception is a thinking creature. But I do wonder at what point on its journey from zygote to embryo, then to fetus and infant, does a human mind with human awareness come into being.

The second question is of a more theological nature. It is one that I expect little help from science to answer, and absolutely no help from free politicians. When does a human soul take up residence as a human being?

I continue to think about these issues. My opinions sometimes change, but I hope I can refine my beliefs and thoughts over time.

The outcome of the present political turmoil will have little impact on these beliefs. It well have an impact on the lives of many people that I have known, and many others that I expect that I will know.

That is the nature and inherent danger of political decision. I hope we make our decisions wisely.