Case Study on Moral Status
Based on “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” and the required topic study materials, 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 study materials.
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.
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Sample Answer
The Christian View of Nature of Human Persons
Christians believe that humans are made in the likeness of God. Humans were created to be like God, although not in His power but in the capacity to have authority over the rest of the creation, having creativity, reasoning, possessing the freedom to make choices and being able to have a relationship with others (White, 2020). From a Christian perspective, the universe is good, although not morally neutral, with human beings having a duty to act and live morally (Clauson, 2015). Human beings deserve to be treated with respect and dignity since they are God’s creation, and each has inherent value. Moral status for every human being is, therefore, a gracious gift given to humans as part of God’s creation.
The Christian perspective of human nature is compatible with divine command theory. The theory asserts that the issue of morality is based on the character of God, the creator and that any morally right action has been in line with God’s commandments. From a Christian perspective, human beings have a responsibility to please God by observing God’s commandments and His will over their lives. Life is a precious gift that is given, and no one has the right to decide the existence of themselves or others. Life is sacred and should be respected. Human beings are expected to be their brother’s keeper. Since human beings have inherent values, dignity and respect should be accorded to each human being (White, 2020).
Theories Used by Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson
The reaction from Jessica shows she cares about the fetus. She tries to hold tears when the option for abortion is presented. she has a conviction that life is sacred. She uses the divine command theory that life is sacred and it is against God’s commandments to take the life of another. She also utilizes moral agency theory as she has to make the final decision as a mother to the fetus. All these put her in a dilemma as she has to choose between her role as a mother, God’s commands, and her chance for increased independence. Maria pleads with Jessica to keep the pregnancy and clearly tells Jessica to let what God intends to take place. It is clear that she utilizes the divine command theory as she feels that God’s will for the child should take place as Jessica is no place to decide for a life that is sacred. Life is sacred and God-given, and only God should take the life away (Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, n.d).
Dr. Wilson is clear that the fetus had poor quality of life, and he feels that the medical alternative is carrying out an abortion. He feels that Jessica has to make a choice. To him, the fetus has no moral status. He utilizes the theory of cognitive process where one can only have moral status if they are able to demonstrate a significant level of awareness and reasoning (Crary, 2020). Marcos’s mind switches to the economic status of the family and cannot help to view the current situation as an economic burden and the impact it may have on their future. He uses the moral status theory as he feels that Jessica is the one to make the final decision. He also utilizes the utilitarianism theory as he views the current situation and prospects of a disabled child as a burden (McMillan, n.d).
How the Theories Influence Recommendations for Action
Dr. Wilson recommends Jessica have an abortion since the fetus will not have a proper quality of life. The theory of cognitive process influences his medical recommendation to terminate the pregnancy. His view of the fetus is that it has no moral status to decide anything, and the mother should be the one to make a choice. Jessica finds herself in a dilemma whether to keep or terminate the pregnancy. She the moral status to choose the fate of the fetus, but at the same time, she has a conviction that life is sacred, and she has no authority to decide whether the fetus should live or not. Jessica’s aunt, Maria, has decided that Jessica should keep the pregnancy and allow the will of God to prevail. Her advice to Jessica is influenced by the divine theory. It is not God’s will for one to decide about the life of another. Marco has no neutral ground. He pledges his support to Jessica in every decision she makes. Despite his view of the pregnancy and child as an economic burden, he acknowledges that Jessica is the only one who will make the final decision. His view of the pregnancy and the child as an economic burden is impacted by the utilitarian theory. His acceptance that the final decision will be made by Jessica is influenced by the moral agency theory.
The Theory I Agree with and How It would Influence the Recommendation for Action
I agree with the theory of divine command and moral agency. Life is sacred, and no one has the right to take the life of another. God’s command is for one to be their brother’s keeper and taking care of God’s creation. However, Jessica has the right to decide as a mother the fate of the fetus. The recommendation would be for the mother to make the final decision based on the relationship they have with the fetus.
