Understanding 'Quickening' and Viability in Abortion

Question
Hello,
I am working on a paper about abortion and I need to find out what the terms "quickening" and "viable" means regarding abortion.  Can you help me out?

Thanks,
Carl

Answer
Hi Carl,
quickening is "giving signs of life", so if the fetus has a heartbeat, or is moving, quickening is positive.
Viable is a fetus that will stay alive when it was outsite the maternal whomb; so at approx 26 weeks.
good questions !
dr joeri, nl