Assignment: Case Study on Moral Status

Moral status is a critical part of human dignity as human beings deploy moral values when making decisions based on what is acceptable or not based on different worldviews (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). Nurses and other healthcare providers need to understand the different worldviews that individuals deploy concerning the issue of moral status, especially in complicated cases on issues of fetal abnormalities as illustrated by the case study on Jessica and Mike. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the different approaches by the individuals to the moral status of the fetus who may be born with a deformity due down syndrome.

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Christian View on Nature of Persons and Compatible Theory

The Christian view concerning the nature of persons is deeply embedded in the belief that human beings are created in God’s image and have inherent dignity and freedom. Christians believe that the human beings consist of soul, body and mind where the spiritual soul forms the body created through matter and become a living one for God’s purpose and glory (Himcinschi, 2019). Human beings should consider their bodies as good and honorable as they are created in God’s image. Human beings must fulfill God’s purpose as they have intrinsic value and should respect the sanctity of life. Christians advance that human body and life are sacred and no one has the power to take away life of another one. Imperatively, they believe that human beings should live in loving and caring relationships (Müller, 2020). Life begins at conception implying that even fetuses deserve similar dignity inherent to other human beings.

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The Christian view of the nature of human beings aligns with the divine command model which considers morality as based on command. Under this theory, human beings have a moral obligation to obey God’s commandment (Kanamori et al., 2018). The divine command theory implies that God is the source of morality. Imperatively, having morally upright actions is living in accordance with God’s commandments (Brown, 2018). Therefore, the divine command theory is explicit that human beings are valuable and with inherent dignity and no one has the power to decide about the existence of another person, even a fetus in the mother’s womb. The Christian view advances that human being have intrinsic value and deserve dignity.

Theories Used by Different Individuals in the Case Study

The case study presents four different persons using various theories to demonstrate their perspective on the moral status of the fetus. These include Jessica who is the expectant mother, Marco who is Jessica’s husband, Maria who is Jessica’s aunt, and Dr. Wilson, the medical specialist. Jessica as the expectant mother uses the theories of moral agency and divine command theory in determining the moral status of the fetus (Surovell, 2018). As a moral agent, she is the ultimate individual to make decisions concerning the fate of the fetus based on the possible economic and social difficulties that they will face as a family. She has to determine the final status of the fetus due to her relationship as its mother (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). She struggles with her conviction that life is sacred based on the divine command theory as a Christian.

Maria utilizes the divine command theory and relationship theory as she attempts to convince Jessica to carry the pregnancy and not terminate it. She reasons that Jessica as the mother should protect the fetus and carry on with the pregnancy. Besides, she employs the divine command theory that obligates Jessica to follow God’s command of not taking away life since it is sacred. Life is God’s gift and no one has the freedom to take it away. She emphasizes the need for Jessica to respect God’s commandments.

Marco demonstrates relationship and moral agency theories (Müller, 2020). Marco asserts that he will obey any decision that Jessica makes based on their relationship as husband and wife. He also illustrates the need for Jessica to make decisions independently as a moral agent. On his part, Dr. Wilson uses cognitive properties theory. This model advances that an individual can only attain moral status when he or she exhibits certain level of awareness and rationality. However, a fetus does not possess these features and cannot be termed as having moral status. Wilson offers information about all potential actions that the family can engage in and their effects on their current status.

Theories in Influencing Recommendations

The moral agency theory shows that individuals have a moral duty to make sound decisions based on norms and values that exist in society. This theory influence’s Marco’s decision to allow Jessica determine the final aspect of their fetus (Milliken, 2018). Jessica also understand that she will be the one to make the ultimate decision. Secondly, the theory of relationship affects Maria’s perception concerning determinant of Jessica’s pregnancy as she believes that it is wrong. Further, the divine command theory influences both Jessica and Maria to have a serious consideration about termination of the fetus and if it breaks the commandments (Müller, 2020). The physician’s decision is based on the cognitive properties’ theory which advances that a fetus has no cognition and can be terminated based on its condition. This theory is linked to the physician’s scientific knowledge concerning fetal abnormalities and their associated implications.

Appropriate Theory for Me

The moral agency theory as well as cognitive properties theory are relevant and critical in this situation. The moral agency theory is categorical that one should be allowed to make decisions based on their perception of a situation as autonomous individuals. The cognitive properties theory advances that cognition only comes when one is aware and shows self-consciousness and ability to engage in purposeful acts and volition. However, the fetus lacks all these properties (Surovell, 2018). Therefore, Jessica must consider these theories, especially cognitive properties to make informed decision based on her situation and the future health condition of the child.

Conclusion

Nurses and other healthcare providers need to understand and appreciate the different worldviews and their impacts on healthcare provision. Christian worldview has different aspects about life and based on certain theories that nurses and other providers should know. The use of effective theory is essential as it demonstrates that one understand the underlying aspects of care.

References

Beckwith, F., & Thornton, A. K. (2020). Moral status and the architects of principlism. The

Journal of Medicine and Philosophy: A Forum for Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine, 45(4-5): 504-520. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmp/jhaa019

Brown, M. T. (2018). The moral status of the human embryo. The Journal of Medicine and

Philosophy: A Forum for Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine, 43(2): 132-158). https://doi.org/10.1093/jmp/jhx035

Himcinschi, M. (2019). Sacredness as expression of freedom and human dignity. Jurnalul

Libertății de Conștiință, 7(1), 420-430. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6561228

Kanamori, Y., Pegors, T. K., Hall, J., & Guerra, R. (2019). Christian religiosity and attitudes

toward the human value of transgender individuals. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 6(1), 42. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000305

Milliken, A. (2018). Refining moral agency: Insights from moral psychology and moral

philosophy. Nursing Philosophy, 19(1), e12185. https://doi.org/10.1111/nup.12185

Müller, G. C. (2020). The Christian understanding of the human person. Principles.

https://www.getprinciples.com/the-christian-understanding-of-the-human-person/

Müller, S. (2020). Concepts and dimensions of human dignity in the Christian tradition.

Interdisciplinary Journal for Religion and Transformation in Contemporary Society, 6(1), 22-55. https://brill.com/view/journals/jrat/6/1/article-p22_3.xml

Surovell, J. (2018). But for the Grace of God: Abortion and Cognitive Disability, Luck and

Moral Status. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 20(2), 257–277. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44955509

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Assessment Description
Based on “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” and the required topic Resources, write a 750-1,000-word reflection that answers the following questions:

What is the Christian view of the nature of human persons, and which theory of moral status is it compatible with? How is this related to the intrinsic human value and dignity?
Which theory or theories are being used by Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson to determine the moral status of the fetus? What from the case study specifically leads you to believe that they hold the theory you selected?
How does the theory determine or influence each of their recommendations for action?
What theory do you agree with? Why? How would that theory determine or influence the recommendation for action?
Remember to support your responses with the topic Resources.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

Attachments
PHI-413V-RS-T2CaseStudyFetalAbnormality.d
Case Study on Moral Status – Rubric
Rubric Criteria
Total
200 points
Criterion

1. Unsatisfactory

2. Less Than Satisfactory

3. Satisfactory

4. Good

5. Excellent

Personal Response to Case Study

0 points

Evaluation of which theory is personally preferable along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is inadequate.

26 points

Evaluation of which theory is preferable along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is lacking a personal connection.

30 points

Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear.

34 points

Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear and relevant.

40 points

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

0 points

Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used.

6.5 points

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.

7.5 points

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.

8.5 points

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.

10 points

Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.

Documentation of Sources

Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)

0 points

Sources are not documented.

6.5 points

Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors.

7.5 points

Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.

8.5 points

Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct.

10 points

Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.

Determination of Moral Status

0 points

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.

26 points

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.

30 points

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.

34 points

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.

40 points

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.

Christian View of the Nature of Human Persons and Compatible Theory of Moral Status

0 points

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.

39 points

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.

45 points

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.

51 points

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.

60 points

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.

Recommendation for Action

0 points

Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is insufficient. Explanation is not supported by topic study materials.

26 points

Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is unclear. Explanation unclearly supported by topic study materials.

30 points

Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is clear. Explanation is supported by topic study materials.

34 points

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.

40 points

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.

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Assignment: Case Study on Moral Status