Genesis and use of the term "Pre-embryo" in current scientific literature.

Abstract

Lately, the debate on the human character of the embryo has continued. One the facts that can be perceived in this debate, contrary to what happened during the first years, is the systematic forgetfulness of the word "pre-embryo" to refer to the pre-implanted embryo. In this work, after analyzing the origin of this word and attempting to provide it whit adequate conceptualization, we describe and prove, through a simple bibliometric study, the little success this word has had, as well as its lack of development since it first appeared. In conclusion, not only can this word's conceptual lack (that is to say, it's no correspondence to reality) be certified, but also its scarce use can be certified at a phenomenological level. This also endorses the artificial character of therm.