While the mother’s interest is always put ahead of the unborn child, there are many considerations around treating the unborn fetus. Speaking at the Physician’s Update Conference in Cape Town during February 2018, Prof Anthony explores the philosophical approaches towards life especially in the context of treating an unborn fetus. It explores the moral status of beings and the varying status of beings over time. It compares the status quo between the fetus vs. the baby, i.e. transition from a biological life to a sociological life. Dr Anthony also presents a case study of a fetus with tracheal atresia.