Abstract

This paper advances the ontological argument for embryonic moral status by extending Emine Göçer’s theistic substance ontology into a systematic metaphysical framework. Through traditional syllogistic logic [(∀x)(C(x) ← G) ∧ (Ess(G) = Ex(G)) ∧ (∀x)(C(x) → Ex(x)) ∧ (∀x)(Ex(x) → G(x)) ∧ Ex(e) → G(e)] and Metaphysical Recursive Ontological Logic, we prove the embryo possesses inherent moral worth through its participation in being itself—anchored in the First Cause, whose essence is existence. Being participates in goodness by metaphysical necessity, establishing that embryonic moral status precedes developmental thresholds or social recognition. We demonstrate how secular bioethics, care theory, and postmodern ethics fail by denying ontological primacy, while our approach addresses biological complexities like twinning and development. This paper proves a foundational truth: to exist is to participate in Good. The embryo, by existing, compels moral recognition—not as a projection of value, but as a being that precedes all valuation. Only when ethics flows from ontology can we establish a coherent and intelligible moral foundation. To deny this is not humility—it is a metaphysical refusal to follow reason to its necessary conclusion.