The following arguments gradually increase in difficulty. Use the method presented in this section to construct argument patterns. If a statement is redundant or plays no role in the argument, do not include it in the pattern.

1 The state has a right to intervene on behalf of unborn children, and 2 this right should be implemented immediately. 3 While it may be true that a mere fetus has no rights, 4 surely a born child does have rights, and 5 these rights project backward to the time it was in the womb. This is true because 6 what happens to the child in the womb can have an impact throughout the child's life. 7 It is well known that alcohol and drug abuse by expectant mothers cause 1 birth defects, and 8 these defects are not correctable after birth. 9 Granted, an expectant mother has the right to treat her own body as she chooses, but 10 this right does not extend to her unborn child. 11 Once a pregnant woman decides to give birth, she effectively transfers part of her rights over to her unborn child. 12 Unfortunately, however, the unborn child is incapable of securing these rights for itself. Thus, 13 the intervention of a higher power is justified.