Fetal Abnormality Case Study Essay

Fetal Abnormality Case Study Essay

Fetal Abnormality Case Study Essay

During their infant years, human beings have a shallow understanding of life’s concepts since their worldviews are not developed. However, they change their perspectives over time due to education, religion, exposure, cultures, and other factors. In health care, professionals’ and patients’ worldviews affect how they perceive health care, relationships with colleagues, and controversial aspects like abortion and euthanasia. Christianity is among the dominant religions shaping people’s worldviews and understanding of everyday issues. It affects their definition of morality, nature of humanity, and value of life. The purpose of this paper is to explore a case study based on moral status and how theories determine people’s actions.

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Christian View of the Nature of Human Persons

The Christian view contrasts with the biological and scientific theories of human persons since it considers all humans innately valuable. White (2020) stated that being a person means having inherent worth at the most basic level. Some philosophers, theologians, and scientists perceive the human person from a physicalism dimension, implying that the human person is primarily a physical body with a brain depending on the body. Others apply dualism, signifying that the human person has a body and a soul (White, 2020). Generally, the Christian view describes the nature of human persons from a non-physical dimension. Its primary tenet is that human value does not depend on a person’s biological or cognitive ability since it is innate.

The Christian view of human persons is compatible with the moral status theory based on human properties. Moral status primarily concerns judgments about an individual’s overall value and rights (White, 2020). It can apply to human beings, animals, and world objects. The theory of moral status based on human properties asserts that humans have value based on fundamental properties; individuals have moral status primarily because they are human (White, 2020). This theory shares many similarities with the essentialist view of human value, whose fundamental principle is that humans are intrinsically worthy of value. In this view, all human persons, including the unborn and the elderly, have moral status because they are human. Health practitioners applying the moral status theory based on human properties would oppose euthanasia, abortion, and designer babies’ experiments.

Regarding the connection with intrinsic value, human beliefs regarding the value of others are not final. White (2020) noted that God is the starting point of the Christian understanding of human beings. Therefore, what God says about humanity and human value is all that matters. It is not how humans perceive themselves or other members of the human race. Humans are all equal and worth dignity and respect because of being made in God’s image (Mitchell, 2014; Stahl & Kilner, 2017). Also, every action that distorts this image should be condemned. For instance, assigning humans different values based on their traits symbolizes speciesism. Such valuation is similar to racism and leads to prejudice (Wireless Philosophy, 2014). To prevent such views and improve human relationships, Christians must remember that human value is innate. It comes from a transcendent source- God.

Case Study-Fetal Abnormality

Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson apply different theories to determine the fetus’s moral status. Jessica is more inclined to the theory based on human properties, although traits of the theory based on cognitive properties are present. The principle tenet of the theory based on cognitive properties is that individuals are viewed as possessing moral status if they have certain basic cognitive functions (White, 2020). However, the fetus has a rare condition leading to underdeveloped arms, and there is a 25% chance that the fetus may have Down syndrome. The fetus’s condition hampers its physical and cognitive functionality, which makes Jessica torn between hopes of a better socioeconomic position and increased independence and her conviction that all life is sacred.

Marco uses the theory based on moral agency. It contends that people can make morally significant decisions but should be held accountable to a moral standard (White, 2020). As a result, Marco supports Jessica in whatever decision she makes. Aunt Maria uses the theory based on human properties. The theory holds that all individuals have a moral status simply because of being human. With this view, she pleads with Jessica to follow with the pregnancy and wait for the outcome since it is God’s intention. Dr. Wilson applies the theory based on cognitive properties. He views the fetus as cognitively dysfunctional and lays out options for Jessica, including abortion, which he considers scientifically and medically wise in such a situation.   

Influence of Theories

Theories are systems of ideas for explaining something. They usually differ in their general principles, making their proponents differ in beliefs and actions toward controversial issues. The same is exhibited in the case study. Those inclined towards the theory based on human properties oppose abortion. On the contrary, those holding a more radical view on the source, meaning, and dignity of life recommend many actions, not primarily treating the fetus as a moral being. Some considerations behind such recommendations include personhood as a characteristic acquired after birth (Lee, 2004), human dignity as the first principle (Mitchell, 2014), and margins of human life. For instance, the view that all human beings should be subjected to the same basic rights triggers the question of whether some beings can be destroyed for the sake of other people (Lee, 2015). It is the same question that Jessica and Marco try to answer as they balance their economic prosperity and independence and saving a sacred life (the fetus).

My Theory and Rationale

I agree with the theory based on human properties since I am a proponent of human dignity, inherent value, and respect. In agreement with Stahl and Kilner (2017), Christians should recognize that all people have dignity since they are created in God’s image. All humans have value by just being human beings whether unborn, old, and regardless of their cognitive and physical abilities. Based on this view, my recommendation would be to try all the best available options to improve the fetus’s health. Abortion and other scientific or medical options should be considered if Jessica’s health is risked. Patient’s values and preferences should also be factored into the equation as components of evidence-based practice. In this case, Jessica should only be advised but allowed to make the final decision.

Conclusion

Christians regard human life highly and usually consider its termination a violation of God’s command. However, some situations force doctors to choose abortion, like the fetus in the case study. As discussed in this paper, people’s decisions differ, and different theories explain why choices differ. Theories of moral status view life differently. The most dominant is the theory based on human properties, whose proponents oppose abortion.

References

Lee, P. (2004). A Christian philosopher’s view of recent directions in the abortion debate. Christian Bioethics, 10(1), 7-32. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803600490489834

Lee, P. (2015). Moral status and the margins of human life. The American Journal of Jurisprudence, 60(1), 105-120. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajj/auv008

Mitchell, C. B. (2014). Human dignity: A first principle. Crossway. https://www.crossway.org/articles/human-dignity-a-first-principle/

Stahl, D., & Kilner, J. (2017). The image of God, bioethics, and persons with profound intellectual disabilities. Journal of Christian Institute on Disability, 6(1–2), 19-40.

White, N. H. (2020). God, humanity, and human dignity. Practicing Dignity. https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/2

Wireless Philosophy. (2014). Philosophy-Ethics: Moral status [HD]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smuhAjyRbw0

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Assessment Traits
Requires Lopeswrite
Assessment Description
Based on “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” and the required topic Resources, write a 1,000-word reflection that answers the following questions:
1. 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?
2. 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?
3. How does the theory determine or influence each of their recommendations for action?
4. 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.
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-T2CaseStudyFetalAb

https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/2

REQUIRED TOPIC RESOURCES ARE LISTED IN THE ORDER FILES. PLEASE USE APA 7 FORMATTING AND REFERENCES. PLEASE FOLLOW THE RUBRIC FOR ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS.

Rubric Criteria

Collapse All Rubric CriteriaCollapse All

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

60 points

Criteria Description

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

5. Excellent

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.

4. Good

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.

3. Satisfactory

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.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

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.

1. Unsatisfactory

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.

Determination of Moral Status

40 points

Criteria Description

Determination of Moral Status

5. Excellent

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.

4. Good

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.

3. Satisfactory

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.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

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.

1. Unsatisfactory

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.

Recommendation for Action

40 points

Criteria Description

Recommendation for Action

5. Excellent

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.

4. Good

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.

3. Satisfactory

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.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

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.

1. Unsatisfactory

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.

Personal Response to Case Study

40 points

Criteria Description

Personal Response to Case Study

5. Excellent

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.

4. Good

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.

3. Satisfactory

30 points

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

2. Less Than Satisfactory

26 points

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

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

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

Organization, Effectiveness, and Format

10 points

Criteria Description

Organization, Effectiveness, and Format

5. Excellent

10 points

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

4. Good

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.

3. Satisfactory

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.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

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.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

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

Documentation of Sources

10 points

Criteria Description

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

5. Excellent

10 points

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

4. Good

8.5 points

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

3. Satisfactory

7.5 points

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

2. Less Than Satisfactory

6.5 points

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

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Sources are not documented.

Total200 points