At what stage is a fetus generally considered to be legally viable?

A fetus is generally considered to be legally viable after 24 weeks of gestation. At this point, medical advancements and research indicate that the fetus has developed sufficiently to have a reasonable chance of survival outside the womb with appropriate medical care. This viability is influenced by factors such as lung development and the ability to regulate body temperature, both of which typically progress significantly around 24 weeks.

While the viability threshold can vary slightly depending on legal and medical guidelines in different regions, 24 weeks is widely recognized as the standard marker where survival rates improve considerably. Before this point, a fetus is less likely to survive, and the risks associated with premature birth are significantly higher. Thus, this gestational age is critical in discussions about fetal rights and parental decision-making in cases of premature labor or other complications.