Scientific Source #121 – Report
“Fertilization is significant in that new life is created, but specifically the cardinal features of fertilization are that (1) the diploid number of chromosomes [46] is reconstituted and (2) the sex of the conceptus is designated chromosomally.” 121
121 Thomas, J., Introduction to Human Embryology 52 (1968) (cited in The Human Life Bill: Report on S. 158 Before the Subcommittee on Separation of Powers of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, 97th Cong., 1st Sess. (1981), p. 8).