In the case study titled Fetal Abnormality,
it is mentioned that four individuals (Maria, Dr. Wilson, Marco, and Jessica)
convey their emotions and share their feelings regarding the abortion of the
fetus. According to the situation, Jessica is pregnant with up to 25 percent
chances of Down syndrome fetus. Currently, she has no arms with a low
probability. Marco is her husband who supports Jessica in all of her decisions.
He stands by her side when she decides to abort the fetus, considering that it
is harmful to her health. Maria, on the other hand, is a religious aunt who
makes an argument with Jessica about her decision of abortion, claiming that
she is denying the order of God and that she should not abort the child. Dr.
Wilson also supports her and suggests Jessica abort the fetus as soon as
possible. All of them have their own ideas and thoughts regarding the same
thing.
Which
theory or theories are being used by Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson to
determine the moral status of the fetus? Explain.
Dr. Wilson provides Jessica and her family
with all possible options. Based on his knowledge and experience, he thinks
that abortion is a good idea. Dr. Wilson utilizes the theory of cognitive
properties. According to this theory, something or someone can have a moral
status only when a level of rationality and awareness is demonstrated. The
fetus does not possess any awareness (Ewest, 2017). It can be aborted as it has
no moral or religious status and if no value. On the other hand, Aunt Maria
thinks that as a mother, Jessica has some obligations and limits to take care
of. This concept falls under the theory of relationship. Marco and Jessica have
a strong relationship to this unborn child, and as a religious person, Jessica
intends to strengthen her relationship to God. All of these relationships give
the fetus a moral status, which means abortion should not be done. This
situation has also demonstrated the divine command theory, which states that
God is responsible for creating everything and only He can decide morality.
Marco looks concerned about the health of his wife and the burden of a disabled
baby, which is why he begins supporting Jessica. This situation also demonstrates
the theory of relationship (Kavka, 2012). Jessica has been through various
problems. At one side, she thinks that she should keep the child, and at the
other side, she is worried about the financial burden this unborn child may
possess on her family. Her mind is in favor of abortion, and her heart and
religious beliefs oppose it. In this situation, Jessica acts as a moral agent,
an individual who takes her own decisions and seeks the help and support of her
husband and the doctor in this regard. Her situation has represented the theory
of moral agency, which states that one’s moral status should be taken into
account before making any decision. It means Jessica is responsible for
deciding the moral status of the fetus.
How
does the theory determine or influence each of their recommendation for action?
All of these theories are related to one
another and can influence the decision of Jessica, depending on her physical
and mental status. It can be said that the relationship of Jessica and Marco
with the unborn baby will help them take the final decision. As a doctor and
scientist, Wilson may never be able to give any value to the moral status, but
as a mother, Jessica should think of her obligations to God and her
responsibilities toward the child. Maybe, the child will prove to be a big
financial burden, but in the end, God has not allowed anyone to destroy His
creations. The fact is that all of these theories are tightly connected, making
it difficult for Jessica to take an action. Sometimes she thinks of aborting
the fetus, and the very next moment, she begins paying attention to her
religious and moral duties.
What
theory do you agree with? How would the
theory determine or influence the recommendation for action?
When it comes to saving human life, I think
that the theory of relationship is far better than the others. For Jessica and
Marco, things may change all of a sudden when the disabled child comes to this
world. However, they should look for all the possibilities and should not
forget their relationship with the baby before making a decision. God has a
plan for everything and everyone; if Jessica and her husband choose to trust
Him, then their lives may become easier. However, if they use their brain and
act upon the advice of Dr. Wilson, then the chance is that they will have to
regret after the abortion of the fetus. I think that the medical professional
should take the responsibility of providing them with the best options and
ideas in an unbiased manner.
References
Ewest, T. (2017). The
Challenges Within Ethical Leadership Theories. Prosocial Leadership, 23-42.
doi:10.1057/978-1-137-57808-2_2
Kavka, M. (2012). Postmodern
Jewish Ethical Theories. Oxford Handbooks Online.
doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199736065.013.0018
