Case Study on Moral Status Essay

Case Study on Moral Status Essay

Moral status refers to treating human beings per the ethics. Moral status outlines how living phenomena should be treated depending on the full ethical consideration applied to all healthy people. Some theories support the ethical treatment of people and animals since they all deserve consideration. Religion is also considered moral status determination since it considers human beings superior to other living things.

Christian view on human persons

Christians view human persons as living beings created by a superior being (God). They regard a human being as a unit comprising the physical body, intellect, and spirit. The spirit is the one that connects to God and transforms the matter-created body into life. As a result, human beings should regard their bodies as noble and sacred since God created them. They view individual identity as with the human being’s relationship with God. The identity and authority of human beings are determined by the power instilled into human beings by God. as a result, all other environmental factors have to serve and benefit human beings who are superior creations of God (Müller,2020).

The Christian perspective on the nature of humankind is consistent with the theory of cognitive properties. The cognitive theory views all people to have cognition. Cognition Comprises thinking ability, comprehension, memory, consciousness, and perception. According to the Christian viewpoint, humans have self-awareness, including awareness of the past, time, and future (Müller, 2020). Cognitive theory state that humans have the freedom to perform and engage in deliberate deeds.

Furthermore, human beings can provide and appreciate justifications for their actions through communication by use of a language which is significant given that most species and creations do not. Additionally, cognitive properties theory regards people as possessing reason and free will, making them superior creatures (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). Therefore, they should be accorded the worth and dignity they deserve.

Theories used to determine fetus’ moral status

In the case study, Jessica uses the theory of moral agency to determine fetal moral status. Moral agency theory states that moral status can only originate from behaving like a moral agent. Jessica is the mother; hence can act as a moral agent (Milliken, 2018). She has the authority to decide whether or not the fetus has the same rights as an infant. Jessica has to make the best judgment regarding the benefit of the actions depending on the reasons that can be morally appraised. The interpersonal struggle due to her financial status, belief in the sanctity of life, and independence make her hold the moral agency theory.

Marco applies two theories. One is the theory of moral agency (Milliken, 2018). He perceives that the child could be a financial burden because the child will depend on them, which will affect their plans economically. He also utilizes the theory of relationships. The relationship theory holds that human relationships account for a person’s moral status (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). In this case, Marco, being Jessica’s husband, is willing to support any decision Jessica makes. Therefore, the moral status of the infant can change depending on Jessica’s decision.

Maria endorses relationship theory, as evidenced by her plea with Jessica to consider her responsibilities to her unborn child (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). She also asks her to allow God’s plan to be revealed, thus making abortion unethical. The relationship with Jessica and God accords to the fetus’s moral status, therefore making abortion illegal. She also supports the divine command theory, which holds that God is the creator of life hence determines morality by pleading with Jessica to consider her relationship with God before making a decision.

Dr. Wilson employed the theory of cognitive properties, which states that one must exhibit understanding and awareness to acquire a moral status. According to this theory, the fetus lacks consciousness and rationality and can thus be aborted (Brown, 2021). The doctor utilizes this theory by providing the family with all available alternatives but strongly supports abortion of medical knowledge.

How does the theory influence recommendations for action

Cognitive properties theory impacts his action of emphasizing abortion according to his medical competency. The theories of moral agency and relationship influence Marco’s decision to support Jessica’s final decision for action (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). He feels obliged as Jessica’s husband to support her decision despite the other negative effects of the pregnancy. Relationship theory influences Maria’s belief that abortion is wrong due to her relationship with God (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). Her relationship with Jessica influences her to persuade Jessica to keep the pregnancy.

The theory I support

I agree with the cognitive properties theory. According to this theory, a person can only be accorded moral status if they exhibit self-awareness, think, participate in purposeful activities, and communicate through a language. Moral status can be given to individuals who think cognitively and act with intention concerning their lives. Per this theory, I would suggest Jessica have an abortion because the fetus does not possess any cognitive ability thus does not require moral status (Brown, 2021).

In conclusion, according to the Christianity view, people have the ability and freedom to make decisions. This view is consistent with cognitive properties theory which believes in possession of cognition given moral status. In the case study, Jessica is a dilemma regarding the decision to make due to the influence of different people giving her different options. The abortion decision is critical, and Jessica and Marco have to make that decision without the medical practitioner’s influence. However, the doctor has to provide all the necessary information and allow them to decide.

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References

Beckwith, F., & Thornton, A. K. (2020, July). Moral status and the architects of principlism. In The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy: A Forum for Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine (Vol. 45, No. 4-5, pp. 504-520). US: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmp/jhaa019

Brown, M. T. (2021). The moral status of the fetus: Implications of the somatic integration definition of human life. Bioethics, 35(7), 672-679. Retrieved from https://sci-hub.hkvisa.net/https://doi.org/10.1111/bioe.12853

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

Case Study: Fetal Abnormality

Jessica is a 30-year-old immigrant from Mexico City. She and her husband Marco have been in the United States for the last three years and have finally earned enough money to move out of their Aunt Maria’s home and into an apartment of their own. They are both hard workers. Jessica works 50 hours a week at a local restaurant and Marco has been contracting side jobs in construction. Six months before their move to an apartment, Jessica finds out she is pregnant.

Four months later, Jessica and Marco arrive at the county hospital, a large, public, nonteaching hospital. A preliminary ultrasound indicates a possible abnormality with the fetus. Further scans are conducted, and it is determined that the fetus has a rare condition in which it has not developed any arms and will not likely develop them. There is also a 25% chance that the fetus may have Down syndrome.

Dr. Wilson, the primary attending physician, is seeing Jessica for the first time, since she and Marco did not receive earlier prenatal care over concerns about finances. Marco insists that Dr. Wilson refrain from telling Jessica the scan results, assuring him that he will tell his wife himself when she is emotionally ready for the news. While Marco and Dr. Wilson are talking in another room, Aunt Maria walks into the room with a distressed look on her face. She can tell that something is wrong and inquires of Dr. Wilson. After hearing of the diagnosis, she walks out of the room wailing loudly and praying aloud.

Marco and Dr. Wilson continue their discussion, and Dr. Wilson insists that he has an obligation to Jessica as his patient and that she has a right to know the diagnosis of the fetus. He furthermore is intent on discussing all relevant factors and options regarding the next step, including abortion. Marco insists on taking some time to think of how to break the news to Jessica, but Dr. Wilson, frustrated with the direction of the conversation, informs the husband that such a choice is not his to make. Dr. Wilson proceeds back across the hall, where he walks in on Aunt Maria awkwardly praying with Jessica and phoning the priest. At that point, Dr. Wilson gently but briefly informs Jessica of the diagnosis and lays out the option for abortion as a responsible medical alternative, given the quality of life such a child would have. Jessica looks at him and struggles to hold back her tears.

Jessica is torn between her hopes of a better socioeconomic position and increased independence, along with her conviction that all life is sacred. Marco will support Jessica in whatever decision she makes but is finding it difficult not to view the pregnancy and the prospects of a disabled child as a burden and a barrier to their economic security and plans. Dr. Wilson lays out all of the options but clearly makes his view known that abortion is “scientifically” and medically a wise choice in this situation. Aunt Maria pleads with Jessica to follow through with the pregnancy and allow what “God intends” to take place and urges Jessica to think of her responsibility as a mother.

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Rubric.

Criteria Description

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

5. Excellent

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.

Determination of Moral Status

Criteria Description

Determination of Moral Status

5. Excellent

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.

Recommendation for Action

Criteria Description

Recommendation for Action

5. Excellent

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.

Personal Response to Case Study

Criteria Description

Personal Response to Case Study

5. Excellent

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

Criteria Description

Organization, Effectiveness, and Format

5. Excellent

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

Documentation of Sources

Criteria Description

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