When did Catholics start believing that life started at conception?

Question

Generally, the Jewish religion believe that life begins when the majority of the baby has left the birth canal.  Or, that life begins at birth.  Also, they are taught that abortion is wrong except when exceptional circumstances - such as the life of the mother being in danger.

Since much of the Catholic teachings come from the Jewish tradition and beliefs, when did the belief that life started at conception begin for Catholics?  Is it embodied in the New Testament?  Did these teachings occur later?  If so, when?

Wishful · Accepted Answer

The Catholic faith is born out of the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Jewish faith. If the Catholic Church interpreted all of scripture as the Jews do....we'd be Jewish. Christ gave the Church the Holy Spirit to guide her, and with that guide she interprets the scripture. 

I don't know the actual time it became the mantra that it is today, but as society has changed and accepted certain things, the Church has responded by defining teachings and understanding of God's will for us. 

Over time it has been defined that life begins at conception, this is based on the interpretation and understanding of scripture and the plan it paints of God's will for us. Catholic understanding includes the words and example of Christ, whereas Jewish understanding does not.

Anonymous · Answer

Catholics started believing that life begins at conception as soon as the scientific process of conception became clearly understood.

The Bible explains little about it.

The Jews are certainly not authoritative.

The Church, enlightened by authentic theology and science, is.

Anonymous · Answer

When the Blessed Virgin Mary visited her pregnant cousin Elizabeth, St. John the Baptist jumped in her womb knowing that Christ was near him. This shows the unborn children were alive.

? · Answer

Jew's, the ones I know, believe life starts before the actual birth.

~♥Anna♥~ · Answer

I sincerely hope that you are not asking this question because of your baby due in December. 

But yes, it's in the bible, the OT and NT.

Watch this video for some beautiful verses:

http://www.fathersloveletter.com/fllvideos.html

PS Catholics are not the original Christians either.
http://www.anothersideofcatholicism.com/Chapter-02.shtml

When did Catholics start believing that life started at conception?

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