A stage in mammalian embryo development. The
human embryo is usually termed a fetus after
the eighth week of development, when the
limbs and external features of the head are
recognizable. In the UK, in 1989, the use of
aborted fetuses for research and transplant
purposes was approved provided that the
mother's decision to seek an abortion is not
influenced by consideration of this possible
use. Each case has to be considered by an
ethics committee, which may set conditions
for the use of the fetal material.