PHI 413V Week 2 Case-Study on Moral Status Essay

PHI 413V Week 2 Case-Study on Moral Status Essay

PHI 413V Week 2 Case-Study on Moral Status Essay

PHI 413V Week 2 Case-Study on Moral Status Essay

Case Study on Moral Status

Fetal abnormality cases present complex and controversial situations for healthcare providers and patients because of the difficulty entailed in making decisions and choices due to ethical dilemmas. In the current case, the physician has diagnosed a fetus with a rare condition of failure to develop upper limbs (arms) and has increased risk of developing Down syndrome leading to medical recommendation for its termination. However, the final decision from the mother is based on the Christian teachings while the physician also employs professional perspective to resolving this ethical dilemma. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the case study with reference to Christian perspective on nature of human persons, and appropriate moral theory.

Christian View on Nature of Persons and Compatible Theory of Moral Status

According to the Christian perspective, human life is sacred irrespective of one’s stage. Christians believe that life begins at conception and is given as a gift from God. Based on the concept of Imago Dei, Christianity advances that man is created in God’s image and has inherent dignity and respect. This implies that no one should take away life because it is a sacred gift from God. Christians advance that all people have a purpose on why they were created by God (Bogue et al., 2020). Imperatively, even human person has the right, from infancy to attain God’s purpose, regardless of their conditions, including disability. Christians assert that human beings should show God’s love by protecting the sacredness and sanctity of life.

The Christian view on the nature of persons is compatible with the theories of human properties and the divine command theory. Human properties theory advances that all human beings have moral status, irrespective of their functionality or momentary values. This implies that every person is created by God, born or not, and requires and should get equal treatment based on honor and inherent dignity (White, 2020). The divine command theory views God as the supreme being and creator of all things, including man. Human beings have value, moral status and dignity at any phase of their life. This includes the embryo and the fetus in the womb because life begins at conception and not at birth.

Every human being has intrinsic value or worth that is not dependent on their extrinsic value. Intrinsic value and dignity mean that the thought lies within the heart of the soul and what one believes is to be respected. An individual’s moral status is defined by the association of what they consider values and right based on what they believe and have learned to be right according to the set ethical standards (Fitzgerald, 2021). Therefore, the Christian view and the human properties theory all advance that human beings have intrinsic and extrinsic value. They should be treated with respect and advance loving and respectful interactions with one another to demonstrate their dignity.

Theory/Theories Being Used By Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson to Determine the Moral Status of the Fetus

Jessica holds the theory of moral agency since she will determine the moral status of the child. As the mother, she determines if the fetus has the same rights as a live child or if it has no rights (Brown, 2018). The theory of moral agency is evident in the case study when Jessica develops intrapersonal conflict due to the financial burden the child will bring and her religious beliefs that all life is sacred. She acts as the moral agent, an individual acting for herself to make the most appropriate decision (Brown, 2018). Marco also uses the theory of moral agency. This is evidenced by his concern about the fetus’s prospects as a barrier to economic security and plans. The theory influences his recommendation as he decides that he will support Jessica in whatever decision she makes even though the child will pose financial barriers.

Maria holds the theory of relationship demonstrated when she pleads with Jessica to continue with the pregnancy and allow God’s intention to occur. She also urges Jessica to think of her responsibility as a mother. Based on Maria’s character, she believes that Jessica has a relationship to the fetus as the mother and a relationship to God. The relationships give the fetus moral status making abortion wrong. It also exhibits the divine command theory, which perceives God as the creator who decides morality.

Dr. Wilson holds on the theory of cognitive properties, which states that, for something or someone to have moral status, it needs to be able to portray a level of awareness and rationality that a fetus does not possess (Brown, 2018). I believe Dr. Wilson uses the theory of cognitive properties since he provided the family with all the possible options. However, he had the greatest support on the possibility of abortion based on his medical knowledge of the disabilities. As per this theory, the fetus has no moral status, and it is thus acceptable to abort it.

The Theory I Agree With and How It Would Influence the Recommendation for Action

I agree with the theory of sentience and relationship, which state that sentient animals have moral status, and relationships with other living things determine our moral status. The theory of sentience and relationship would influence my recommendation for this case study since I believe that a fetus has full moral rights and should be treated as a separate individual from the mother. In my opinion, Jessica has an obligation to protect the fetus and responsibility to God not to destroy human life. Consequently, I would advise Jessica not to terminate the pregnancy and allow the fetus to come to terms since the infant would portray God’s image. Besides, it is God who gives life, and no human being has been given the authority to end life.

Conclusion

The Christian view of the nature of human persons is that each human being portrays the living image of God. The human person finds satisfaction in giving back to others. Christian view on human persons falls under the theory of cognitive properties, which views the human being as having cognition compared to other creatures. In the case study, Jessica and Marco were guided by the theory of moral agency. This puts them in a dilemma of aborting or keeping the pregnancy. Maria holds the theory of relationship, which influences her to advise Jessica to keep the pregnancy. Lastly, Dr. Wilson uses the theory of Cognitive properties, which influences him to support abortion in Jessica’s situation.

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PHI 413V Week 2 Case Study on Moral Status (Fetal Abnormality)

Write a 750-1000 word analysis of “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality.” Be sure to address the following questions:

Which theory or theories are being used by Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson to determine the moral status of the fetus? Explain.

How does the theory determine or influence each of their recommendation for action?
What theory do you agree with? How would that theory determine or influence the recommendation for action?
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

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As a Christian, I believe God created human beings in his image and likeness; thus, we should always do activities that give glory and honor to Him. Furthermore, human beings are sacred and deserve dignity from other creatures, including fellow human beings (Szczerba, 2020). In this connection, human beings have a sovereign power to rule over the earth and have the role of stewardship, which entails bearing the responsibility of managing all other creations. Thus, humans can manage God’s property, the earth, and the things in it. From the biblical story of creation, God instructed human beings to multiply and take good care of all other creations because God bestowed on us the ability to look after his creatures.

The fall of man from the Garden of Eden is the origin of challenges and difficulties, such as grief, sorrow, sickness, and death facing human beings. However, in the health sector, the health providers continue to give service to God’s creatures by treating the sick; thus, the health professionals undertake an activity that gives glory and honor to God (Grand Canyon University, 2020). The concept of Imago Dei is applicable in the healthcare sector because it prompts the nurses to complete the obligations of God to his creatures, especially human beings. Therefore, nurses often fulfill God’s obligations to human beings in health facilities, such as caring for and loving his creatures. In this connection, nurses offer care as a show of kindness, compassion, and empathy to fellow human beings to fulfill God’s commandment of stewardship (Rieg et al., 2018). Treating others with kindness, joy, and love is a role that all nurses must undertake to fulfill God’s obligation to human beings.

PHI 413V Week 2 Topic 2 Discussion 1

What is the Christian concept of the imago dei? How might it be important to healthcare, and why is it relevant?

PHI 413V Week 2 Topic 2 Discussion  2

As you reflect on Meilaender’s readings, what is his distinction between procreation and reproduction, as well as that of being begotten versus being made? Do you agree with his description? Why or why not? PHI 413V Week 2 Case-Study on Moral Status Essay

Case Study: Fetal Abnormality

Jessica is a 30-year-old immigrant from Mexico City. She and her husband Marco have been in the United States for the last three years and have finally earned enough money to move out of their Aunt Maria’s home and into an apartment of their own. They are both hard workers. Jessica works 50 hours a week at a local restaurant and Marco has been contracting side jobs in construction. Six months before their move to an apartment, Jessica finds out she is pregnant.

Four months later, Jessica and Marco arrive at the county hospital, a large, public, nonteaching hospital. A preliminary ultrasound indicates a possible abnormality with the fetus. Further scans are conducted, and it is determined that the fetus has a rare condition in which it has not developed any arms and will not likely develop them. There is also a 25% chance that the fetus may have Down syndrome.

Dr. Wilson, the primary attending physician, is seeing Jessica for the first time, since she and Marco did not receive earlier prenatal care over concerns about finances. Marco insists that Dr. Wilson refrain from telling Jessica the scan results, assuring him that he will tell his wife himself when she is emotionally ready for the news. While Marco and Dr. Wilson are talking in another room, Aunt Maria walks into the room with a distressed look on her face. She can tell that something is wrong and inquires of Dr. Wilson. After hearing of the diagnosis, she walks out of the room wailing loudly and praying aloud. PHI 413V Week 2 Case-Study on Moral Status Essay

Marco and Dr. Wilson continue their discussion, and Dr. Wilson insists that he has an obligation to Jessica as his patient and that she has a right to know the diagnosis of the fetus. He furthermore is intent on discussing all relevant factors and options regarding the next step, including abortion. Marco insists on taking some time to think of how to break the news to Jessica, but Dr. Wilson, frustrated with the direction of the conversation, informs the husband that such a choice is not his to make. Dr. Wilson proceeds back across the hall, where he walks in on Aunt Maria awkwardly praying with Jessica and phoning the priest. At that point, Dr. Wilson gently but briefly informs Jessica of the diagnosis and lays out the option for abortion as a responsible medical alternative, given the quality of life such a child would have. Jessica looks at him and struggles to hold back her tears.

Jessica is torn between her hopes of a better socioeconomic position and increased independence, along with her conviction that all life is sacred. Marco will support Jessica in whatever decision she makes but is finding it difficult not to view the pregnancy and the prospects of a disabled child as a burden and a barrier to their economic security and plans. Dr. Wilson lays out all of the options but clearly makes his view known that abortion is “scientifically” and medically a wise choice in this situation. Aunt Maria pleads with Jessica to follow through with the pregnancy and allow what “God intends” to take place and urges Jessica to think of her responsibility as a mother. PHI 413V Week 2 Case-Study on Moral Status Essay

Course Code Class Code Assignment Title Total Points
PHI-413V PHI-413V-O504 Case Study on Moral Status 200.0

Criteria Percentage Unsatisfactory (0.00%) Less Than Satisfactory (65.00%) Satisfactory (75.00%) Good (85.00%) Excellent (100.00%)
Content 90.0%
Christian View of the Nature of Human Persons and Compatible Theory of Moral Status 30.0% Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible with is insufficient. Explanation is not supported by topic study materials. Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible with is unclear. Explanation is not clearly supported by topic study materials. Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible with is clear and explains the basic relationship to intrinsic human value and dignity. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible with is clear, thorough, and and explains the relationship to intrinsic human value and dignity. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible with is clear, thorough, and explained with a deep understanding of the relationship to intrinsic human value and dignity. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. PHI 413V Week 2 Case-Study on Moral Status Essay

Determination of Moral Status 20.0% The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is not adequately explained. Rationale for choices made is not supported by topic study materials or case study examples. The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is not clearly explained. Rationale for choices made is unclearly supported by topic study materials or case study examples. The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is explained and draws relevant conclusions. Rationale for choices made is supported by topic study materials and case study examples. The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is explained clearly and draws relevant conclusions. Rationale for choices made is clearly supported by topic study materials and case study examples. The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is explained clearly and draws insightful relevant conclusions. Rationale for choices made is clearly supported by topic study materials and case study examples.

Recommendation for Action 20.0% Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is insufficient. Explanation is not supported by topic study materials. Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is unclear. Explanation unclearly supported by topic study materials. Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is clear. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is clear and demonstrates an understanding of the theory. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is clear, insightful, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the theory and its impact on recommendation for action. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. PHI 413V Week 2 Case-Study on Moral Status Essay

Personal Response to Case Study 20.0% Evaluation of which theory is personally preferable along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is inadequate. Evaluation of which theory is preferable along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is lacking a personal connection. Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear. Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear and relevant. Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear, relevant, and insightful.

Organization, Effectiveness, and Format 10.0%
Organization, Effectiveness, and Format 5.0% Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used. Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied. Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed. Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech. Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English. PHI 413V Week 2 Case-Study on Moral Status Essay

Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style) 5.0% Sources are not documented. Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors. Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present. Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct. Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.

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