Case Study - Fetal Abnormality

Introduction

Human beings have their theories and worldviews on life. These theories and worldviews have been shaped by their world experiences, relationship with others, and their moral sentiments. A person's moral sentiment helps them to decipher between right or wrong. As Christians, making objective decisions according to moral sentiments is important. For instance, in regards to child rearing, when doctor finds abnormalities in the fetus, the parents are always faced with a difficult decision of whether to keep the pregnancy or not. In the "fetal abnormality" case study, Jessica, Maria, Dr. Wilson, and Marco have different opinions based on moral theories. The three theories are only humans have moral status, only sentient animal have moral status, and all living organisms have moral status. The paper identifies the theories that Jessica, Maria, Dr. Wilson, and Marco identify employ in the case study, the recommended action, and the personal choice theory. Christians have a duty to make their decisions based on morality.

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Identification of Theories Used by Those Involved

Jessica's Theory

Jessica's theory is that all living organisms have moral status. She believes that all life is sacred (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.). However, on the other hand, she has a theory that only sentient animals have moral status. She appears to agree with Marco's thoughts that the fetus would make them unable to become financially independent. Jessica seems to be torn in between. Shelly and Miller (2006) refer to this as having a modern western worldview, which makes a person be in conflict with the spirit of evil and that of good.

Marco's Theory

One of Marco's theories is that only human beings have moral status. In the case study, he is seen being concerned about Jessica and affirms that he will her in any decision that she decides to take regarding the growing fetus HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.). However, he takes on the theory of only sentient animals have moral status. He is portrayed indicating that the fetus would bring a lot of financial burdens once it is born HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.). Seemingly, Marco has a materialistic worldview.

Maria's Theory

Maria's theory is that all living organisms have moral status. She is opposed to any discussion about termination. According to Maria, Jessica should not interfere with life and that she should follow God's plan (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.). She even prays about the whole situation. Evidently, Maria has a Christian worldview. According to Shelly and Miller (2006), the Christian worldview focuses on prayer, comforting those in need, personal approach to healthcare, and taking care of the sick. Maria is adamant that Jessica should focus on her responsibilities towards the fetus (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.).

Dr. Wilson's Theory

Dr. Wilson's theory is that all sentient animals have moral status. He tells Jessica that there was the likelihood that the fetus would have Down syndrome. He provided his view that abortion was a good choice both medically and scientifically and that it was a responsible medical alternative (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.). Sentient organisms are not self-aware that they will continue to exist in the future. Dr. Wilson's worldview is scientism, which excludes all spiritual, cultural, and religious aspects when making a rationale for reality.

Theoretical Influence on Recommendation for Action

Kimport, Foster, and Weitz (2011) affirm that offering non-judgmental support and supporting a woman's abortion decision making process reduces their emotional distress. Jessica appears to be distressed about the entire situation, but as it appears, her recommendation for action would be to keep the baby since all life is sacred. This goes with her Christian worldview. Furthermore, Marco's recommendation for action would be to terminate the pregnancy because if brought to term, it would only bring financial problems to the family. In Maria's case, her recommendation for action would be to keep the pregnancy and care for it because all life was created in the image and likeness of God. In Dr. Wilson's case, he believes in scientism. He makes it known that abortion is a good choice and is scientifically acceptable. His recommendation of action would mean that to him, abortion is a medical alternative and any patient who might have fetal abnormalities can do so

Personal Choice of Theory

From a personal perspective, the theory that all living organisms have moral status will be applicable. Everything that has life in it is entitled to quality life that is devoid of suffering. In the Hebrew Bible proclaims in Psalms (139:13-14) that in the mother's womb, they are fearfully and wonderfully made. For that reason, the recommendation for action would be to keep the pregnancy because God provides for his loved ones.

Conclusion

Christians have a duty to make their decisions based on morality. Everyone has different opinions and the way they perceive reality. The case of Jessica is indeed a difficult one. Until one is faced with such a dilemma, they cannot be sure of the way they would act. All moral theories by the characters in the case study are acceptable in their view. However, it is recommended for Christians to stand by the word of God. Overall, human beings should make their decisions based on the morals acceptable by God in the Bible.

References

HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality. (n.d.). Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ.Kimport, K., Foster, K., & Weitz, T. A. (2011). Social Sources of Women's Emotional Difficulty After

Abortion: Lessons from Women's Abortion Narratives. Perspectives On Sexual & Reproductive Health, 43(2), 103-109. doi:10.1363/4310311. Retrieved from: http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=61140241&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Shelly, J.A., and Miller, A.B. (2006). Called to Care: A Christian Worldview for Nursing (2 nd ed.). Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic/InterVarsity Press