Viability standard

The viability standard refers to the point during pregnancy when a fetus has a reasonable chance of surviving outside the womb with medical support. Generally, this occurs around 24 weeks of gestation, though it can vary depending on developments and medical technology. This standard is important in legal and medical contexts because it marks a threshold where considerations about fetal rights and healthcare decisions become more significant. It balances the fetus's potential to live independently with the mother's health and autonomy, influencing laws related to abortion and neonatal care.