Case Study: Fetal Abnormality
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.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Sample Answer
Christian View of Nature of Human Persons
The Christian view of the nature of human persons is that all human beings were created in the likeness of God. The Christian view of the nature of human persons is therefore based on the creation story in Genesis. In the Book of Genesis in the Bible, the creation story highlights that God took time to make human beings in his likeness on the Sixth Day of creation while he only commanded all the other living things and objects into existence. By emphasizing that God took time to create human beings in his image, the story of creation in Genesis, therefore, highlights that human beings occupy a higher hierarchy than all the other living and nonliving things in the universe in God’s eyes (White, 2019). In the creation story, God also gives authority to human beings to fill the world and dominate it. The creation story, therefore, highlights the sanctity of human life. Therefore, human life is sacred, with no person other than God having the right to give or take life. In the Christian view, human life is sacred and should be treated with high regard and preserved at all costs (White, 2019). All people should be treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve as they are a true reflection of God. The Christian perspective on the nature of human beings is therefore compatible with the human properties theory. The central tenets of the human properties theory are that life begins at conception with human beings enjoying full rights and moral status since conception (Brown, 2018). The human properties theory also highlights the ability of human beings to make their decisions by exercising their free will and not be driven by pure instinct compared to other animals. The intrinsic value of human beings is therefore increased because of the ability to make informed decisions. The human properties theory highlights that human beings have certain characteristics that animals don’t have, such as autonomy, relationships, communications, and self-awareness (Brown, 2018). In the Christian perspective, the value and dignity of human beings are derived from the creation story where God created human beings in his likeness and the gift of free will that God bestowed on human beings.
Application of Different Theories in the Case Study
In the case study is evident that Marco, Jessica, Maria, and Dr. Wilson all utilize different theories, determine the moral status of the fetus. Jessica seems to be utilizing the human properties theory to determine the fetus’s moral status because she believes that all life is sacred. Jessica struggles with the doctor’s opinion that she can procure an abortion after considering the poor quality of life that her unborn child will have due to her disabilities. Jessica believes that all human beings enjoy the same moral status after conception (Brown, 2018).
In contrast, Marco, Jessica’s husband, appears to utilize the sentience theory of moral status. Marco considers the economic burden that a disabled childhood has on them the struggle and suffering that bringing up a disabled child might have on his family. In Marco’s view, having a disabled child with Jessica will negatively influence their quality of life and eventually bring more harm to them than good (Reichlin, 2014).
On the other hand, Jessica’s aunt Maria utilizes the human properties theory to determine the fetus’s moral status. This is because Maria advises Jessica not to abort but instead allow God’s intention to take place. Maria, therefore, seems to utilize the Christian perspective and the human properties theory that posits that life begins at conception. A fetus has equal rights and moral status as an adult human being (Brown, 2018).
Finally, Dr. Wilson appears to utilize the cognitive properties theory of moral status. Dr. Wilson considers medical and scientific evidence to advise Maria, Marco, and Jessica that abortion will be the best choice. The doctor believes that fetuses do not enjoy the same moral status as human beings (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020).
Influence of Theories on Recommendations
Maria and Jessica favor the human properties theory that life begins at conception with fetuses having the same privileges and moral rights as adult human beings (Brown, 2018). As a result of favoring the human properties theory, Jessica and Maria believe that abortion should not be considered. On the other hand, applying the sentience theory posits that causing pain to an entity is wrong and can harm it; Marco appears to choose abortion (Reichlin, 2014). Marco believes that the disabled child would bring a lot of pain and suffering to his family due to the economic and emotional burden. Dr. Wilson appears to be influenced by the cognitive properties theory because he favors abortion and does not believe the fetus has moral status. The doctor believes that because the fetus lacks cognition and awareness, it does not have the same privileges, rights, and moral status as children that are already born (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020).
