Healing and Autonomy and Christian Worldview Paper Example

Part 1: Chart (60 points)

Based on the "Healing and Autonomy" case study, fill out all the relevant boxes below. Provide the information by means of bullet points or a well-structured paragraph in the box. Gather as much data as possible.

Autonomy

Beneficence is acting according to a patient's best interests. It involves taking a paternal step towards the best interest of the patient despite their objection. Nonmaleficence refers to choosing one decision over another if in the case of a life-threatening event (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013). In the case study, the doctor chose to ignore any of these principles in favor of autonomy. The medical indications were that the son needed dialysis for kidney failure. It would be prudent to invoke a law that supersedes the parent's autonomy for the benefit of the child. Autonomy in this case study is exhibited when the doctor allows the patient's parents to chose religion over medical science. The parent's preference is that God will heal James of the kidney problem. The doctor determined that dialysis was the best option. However, the parents having witnessed miracles elsewhere, they decided to opt against the procedure, and the doctor respected their wishes. Patient preferences are in most cases respected in life-threatening situations such as that facing James.

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Quality of Life

James' quality of life would have been improved had the parents approved of the dialysis. The doctor chose to respect the parent's autonomy such that he let them choose to wait on a religious miracle. Beneficence would have dictated that the doctor to make the decision to do dialysis on James. Congruently, nonmaleficence advises the doctor to improve the quality of life by choosing health over religious beliefs. In the end, it was the autonomy of the parents that took precedence as they decided not to accept the procedure. Justice and fairness stipulate that everyone has a right to equal medical attention (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013). The case study shows the parents deny their child medical care even in the face of certain death. They also refuse a kidney transplant from their other child that would save James' life. Justice and fairness are principles that require doctors to serve all of their patients. Had James been of legal age, he would have opted for dialysis. Justice for James would be to ignore the parent's wishes and to offer him help.

Part 2: Evaluation

Answer each of the following questions about how principlism would be applied:

In 200-250 words answer the following: According to the Christian worldview, which of the four principles is most pressing in this case? Explain why. (45 points)

Autonomy is the most pressing of the four principles according to the Christian worldview. The entire story in the case study is driven by the parents that make decisions for their child. The doctor allows them to have control over the health of their child James even in circumstances where it would be advised to take that control from them. James went to the hospital with parents that had religious faith that he would find healing. The parents clearly made the wrong choice to deny their son access to health. the second time they visited the hospital, they again made the wrong choice that would cost James his life. The doctor respected their right of choice, which clearly shows that autonomy is the most pressing in this case according to the Christian worldview.

Christian faith is based on the principles of autonomy (Ryken, 2013). People have the option to choose without being compelled. For example, the Bible describes that Adam and Eve had the freedom to eat from any tree apart from the forbidden one. The tree was still within their reach, and they were given the freedom to make their choice well aware of the consequences. The Christian faith also states that people have to believe in Christ so as to go to heaven. It is not forced on them, and they have the choice. Similarly, the parents in the case study are left with the choice after the doctor has them informed of their options. They have the choice to improve their child's health and to save his life.

In 200-250 words answer the following: According to the Christian worldview, how might a Christian rank the priority of the four principles? Explain why. (45 points)

Autonomy ranks first in the Christian worldview of the four principles. It is the basis of the religious beliefs where people are afforded the freedom to choose. People are not told to believe in God under any form of duress. The Bible explains that it is necessary to spread the gospel, but not to impose its values onto people. even with the numerous promises stated in the scriptures, people are allowed to choose whether to accept or not. Therefore, autonomy ranks first of the four principles.

Justice is a close second of the principles. The Christian faith demands of its believers to act justly and stand for what is right. The Bible also encourages acts of beneficence and nonmaleficence where one has to act towards the benefit of others, and the greater good always prevails. It is epitomized by the story of the good Samaritan (Ryken, 2013). Nonetheless, people have the choice, and this autonomy trumps over the other obligations of a Christian. Autonomy in this sense is the free will to decide when the relevant facts are put bare. A Christian knows that he or she will go to hell when he or she makes the wrong choices. He or she knows the blessings that emanate from obedience. It is then through autonomy that they make their choice.

References

Beauchamp T, Childress J. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics, 7th Edition. New York: Oxford University Press.

Ryken, P. G. (2013). Christian Worldview: A, Student's Guide. Crossway.