That statement is hardly astounding. It's an obvious reality that's been high school science textbook material for nearly three decades. ...Did you post a link to that somewhat astounding statement? Maybe I missed it. How do you define the phrase "begins to live"?
All your questions regarding the reality of the science and what it means can be answered here: A Conception's Right To Life.
All your questions regarding human rights can be answered here: The Realities of Rights.