A Reflection On The Fetal Abnormality Case Study
Within the society, there are a set of ethics, morals and values that closely dictate our views of different issues, our relationships and life experiences. It is through this values that each individual gains a moral and ethical compass that guides the various decisions they may undertake in their day to day lives. In the medical field, a moral and ethical dilemma arises when closely discussing the moral status of a fetus. In particular, abortion has become one of the most debatable topics between medical and religious groups. The debate is centrally based on when does human life begin, does the fetus qualify to be a person and when does the fetus gain consciousness. The debate leads to a much deeper call for understanding and indifference as per the different moral status theories. Past the debate, parent and medical practitioners face real-time decisions in regards to abortion due to the existing condition of the mother or fetus. Such is the case in Fetus Abnormality case in which this paper will look to discuss based on different moral views as well as recommend a personal response and resolution to the situation in hand.
For Christians the basis and nature of personhood exists due God’s existence. Further Christians view each human as having been created in the image of God with each person being of value and dignity due to God’s existence. This view has a range of implications to a range of contemporary issues that exist within the society. The moral imperativeness to treat each human in a Christian view brings out the indifference in moral status view. At large Christians look view humans based on an intrinsic value and the equal worth each human has (Sumner, 2014). From these viewpoints Christians moral status is more compatible with the theory based on human properties which recognizes the integral value each human. The theory closely relates to the intrinsic human value and dignity because every individual within the human family enjoys the gracious gift of life due to the existence and creation of God the almighty father.
The moral status of a fetus is of special consideration given it conflicts with the religious viewpoint on life. Largely, the moral status of a fetus can be viewed in three ways; that the fetus has the same right as a born child, that the fetus has no rights and that a fetus moral status increases as it advanced in the gestation period. In the Fetal Abnormality case study, each individual has their own vision to the moral status of the unborn fetus. After learning the fetus that Jessica is carrying is abnormal in that it cannot develop arms while also having a 25% chance of developing down syndrome (Grand Canyon University, 2020). Marco his husband, Dr. Wilson and Aunt Maria have different perspectives based on their individual view to the moral status of the fetus. Jessica being a Christian believes life is a valuable gift from God with her moral status being in line with the existence of human life. Her belief and value on human life are in line with the theories based on cognitive properties, human properties, and sentience. Based on her emotions she is more than likely to keep the fetus given it is God’s will that she and her husband had the baby.
However, Marco takes on a different approach, choosing to hide the results of the scan till his wife is ready to hear the sad news. With limited finances due to the house and pregnancy costs, Marco would be more than willing to consider an abortion given the baby when born would bear a financial burden due to its abnormalities. In part, Marco moral status on the fetus could be referenced through the theory based on the theory of relationship given he is willing to stick to any decision made between him and his wife. For Aunt Maria, she urges Jessica to follow her Christian values and the moral obligation as a mother. It would be God’s intention to have her child with her viewpoint also being based on the theory of relationship and human properties.
Dr. Wilson provides the family with a number of possible options while outlining abortion may be the best choice based on the fetus conditions. He utilizes the theory of moral agency when outlining the viable option, the patient and her husband can take. As a medical practitioner he ensures he delivers the news to Jessica despite the worry and resistance he faced from Marco who worry’s her wife will be devasted by his wife. He also raises the option of abortion which is in line with the theory of cognitive properties given the fetus will have a lower cognitive and physical ability when it is born. As a medical practitioner he is willing to respect the decision that the couple will take and will provide the necessary care and support for any decision they decide on.
The entire conversation on fetus abnormality and whether to abort the fetus is because the participants intuitionally realize the fetus has a moral status. The fetus has a right to live despite its abnormality given it is a potential human being developing within the womb. In part, research has shown that a fetus develops a heartbeat as early as five weeks in the womb (Vaughn, 2015). Despite its abnormality the 25% chance of developing down syndrome, the fetus portrays a number of fundamental realities that pertain to human beings. Abortion is thus not permissible given it override the morals and ethics in religion. Abortion can be seen in the same context as killing another human rather than killing of another non-human creature.
In the book On the Moral and Legal Status of Abortion Mary Warren outlines abortion is morally wrong at any one point during the pregnancy period and in any other circumstance that does not endanger the mother healthcare. She views fetuses as innocent human being with abortion being wrong given it contributes to the death of a human in development. This can be seen in the text, “The deliberate killing of viable newborns is virtually never justified because the fetus is very close to being a human with killing it requiring a strong moral justification such as that involved in the killing of dolphins, whales, chimpanzees, and other highly person like creatures (Warren, 1973).” Based on this, it is fair to say that a fetus should be considered as a life.
As a mother and as a Christian, Jessica is obligated to carry the baby. She and her fetus share a special relationship that brings up ethical dilemmas when being discussed. Dr. Wilson demonstrates the sheer choices that can be taken up in relations the fetus future. Base on the theory of human properties the most viable option would involve treating the fetus as a normal human being with abortion not being a plausible course of action. As a nurse, I support the view but would recommend that an abortion is the most viable option for the family. Even though the child can be born and live out its life, Jessica and Marco would go through a lot to facilitate the needed care for the child. Having come to America recently and with struggles of getting a home and being financially stable, abortion is a plausible option that Jessica and Marco can take. However, their moral and religious beliefs may prove to be influential with advice from Aunt Maria being influential towards conserving the fetus life with God being the provider of life also helping them face all the hurdles that may arise when raising it once it once it is born.
In conclusion, abortion remains a highly debatable issue. As seen in the case study, the moral status of the fetus differs across different participants with each individual having a different outlook on whether abortion should take place. In the field of nursing, the issue of abortion is only viable if the fetus has a low chance of survival and when the pregnancy threatens the health and life of the mother. Religious beliefs as well as moral status in part influence how we view the fetus as a form of life. All human life is made in the image of God and as there is a need to ensure it is maintained. However, the Christian view on human life as seen within the case study should closely consider what is best for the child and mother.
References
Grand Canyon University (GCU), (2020). Case Study: fetus Abnormality
Sumner, L. W. (2014). Abortion and moral theory. Princeton University Press.
Vaughn, L. (2015). Doing ethics: Moral reasoning and contemporary issues. WW Norton & Company.
Warren, M. A. (1973). On the moral and legal status of abortion. The Monist, 57(1), 43-61.