Case Study on Moral Status

            Introduction

Technological advancement has led to the possibility of detecting health abnormalities prior to the birth of a child which generates rather challenging decisions, particularly for the medics and parents given that the decisions are rather severe ones (Healy, 2014). There are several theories that can be utilized in reference to the moral nature of the fetus that can be implemented when making respective decisions after the discovery of the abnormalities. In the present case, Jessica, Maria, Wilson the Doctor and Marco all hold varying views in regard to the most suitable action to apply in reference to the different moral status theories. As parents, Marco and Jessica are required to decide on whether they agree or not to terminate the fetus in regard to the detected abnormalities.

Moral status can best be described as the means of specifying aspects based on individual’s beliefs in reference to moral obligations (Healy, 2014). The decision is to be grounded on the rationale whether or not the fetus is connected to any moral status while weighing with the recommendation as a moral act (Healy, 2014). This can thus be broken into several theories which are a moral agency, relationships, cognitive aspects and human aspects. Jessica is tangled amid her desire to acquire financial steadiness and belief for life’s value. To her, she holds the belief that life is particularly sacred and therefore as the mother, she has the obligation to offer support which illustrates the association with relationship theory. Her religious religion confuses her even further given that her religion does not support abortion. In this context, she acts as a moral mediator in that she is mainly acting for her independence in ensuring that she makes the most appropriate decision. This additionally, connects with the theory of moral agency given that she is directly related to the fetus and therefore should act for the general wellness of both.

On the other hand, Marco perceives that having an abnormal child as a psychological and financial burden for both which demonstrates that he believes in financial stability over the fetus. However, despite his beliefs, he states that he is ready to support any decision that Jessica makes. Despite the fact that he is particularly concerned with the burden that the abnormality of the child will present he is certain about offering the needed support to Jessica. In this context, it is apparent that the moral nature of the child is bound to change based on Jessica’s decision. The moral status mainly drives the abortion decision given that the fetus, although not born, has the capability of acquiring pain (Erin & Ost, 2007). therefore the mother is highly obligated to taking care and protecting the child without forgetting that she also has an obligation to God given that one should never destroy life.

Dr. Wilson has fulfilled his responsibility by giving the family the existing alternatives but seems to mainly hold a belief in abortion based on his health knowledge regarding children disabilities and the general psychological and monetary burdens to the family in general.  In this context, Doctor Wilson utilizes the cognitive properties theory, this holds that in having the moral nature one is fully necessitated to fully demonstrate an increased level of rationality and consciousness in which the fetus lacks. In this context, the fetus is considered to be lacking the moral obligation to decide and therefore the mother is responsible (Scott, 2017).

Under the cognitive properties theory, the fetus lacks the moral nature which makes it right to conduct an abortion. On the other hand, Maria is involved in begging Jessica to account for her obligations as the mother which means that she should respect God’s mission.  This additionally fits within the relationship theory. In that since Jessica should sustain his relationship with God which implies that performing the abortion is not right. This also relates to the divine theory which holds that God should be respected at all times and holds the right in regard to deciding in reference to ethics (Scott, 2017). In regard to a moral agency it is apparent that the fetus does not possess any moral knowledge and therefore the decision made by the parents is to be accounted as the most suitable. In that, it mainly relies on the individual’s beliefs which are different but objected to making the most suitable alternative.

Conclusion

From the case study, it is apparent that the four persons and the author possessed differing values in regard to human life. Based on Christian beliefs the author holds that abortion acts against Christ’s teaching and is therefore immoral. However, the practitioner’s religious or cultural beliefs should not at any given period drive the patient’s decision. In this context, the physician is obligated to providing unbiased information which seeks to safeguard the wellness of the patient while upholding healthcare safety and quality. In this case, the decision depends on Jessica given that as the mother she is directly connected to the fetus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Erin, C. A., & Ost, S. (2007). The criminal justice system and health care. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Healy, K. (2014). Social work theories in context: Creating frameworks for practice. Hamsphire.

Scott, P. A. (2017). Key concepts and issues in nursing ethics. Springer.