Embedded in the mocking think pieces, snarky online comments, and even the Vatican’s own statements, is the idea that “consciousness” is the dividing line. That this is a debate about where to draw that line. Drawing a line perpetuates the way of thinking that excuses cruelty. A line where, on one side, we are to treat our neighbors as ourselves. And a line where, on the other, horror and cruelty is justified and acceptable. And our species is demonstrably bad at making that line land wherever it’s convenient for the people drawing that line. … The answer is not to...