Assignment: Case Study  On Moral Status

Assignment: Case Study  On Moral Status

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Moral status encompasses ethical principles when considering the importance of living things and their value in life. In the assessment of models of moral status, different theorists advance that life is equal regardless of the individuals’ situations. Present theories consider various levels of assessment on moral standing (Pardo, 2018). In this case study, the paper examines the moral status of a deformed fetus and the moral choices that the individuals involved make based on the Christian worldview. The paper also presents the author’s position on the kind of theories that determine the decisions made by those involved in the case.

Christian Worldview

According to the Christian worldview, human beings have full moral status by virtue of being humans right from conception. Christians advance that human beings are created in God’s image and likeness and have inherent right to life irrespective of any disabilities or deformities that they may possess. The Christian worldview is founded on the biblical and Christian teaching that God is the creator and author of morality and moral regulations (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). As such, life is sacred and should be protected. No one has a right to take away life even when in the worst situation.

Christian worldview is compatible with the theory of moral standing which is founded on human properties. The moral status model is a religious as well as philosophical perspective that illustrated the essence of humanity and the need to understand that people are superior to other living organisms. The moral status theory asserts that human beings have moral status among all other living organism that were created to serve their interests (Brown, 2018). The theoretical model advances that during conception, all human beings get full moral standing. This implication that the Christian and philosophical model is founded on human aspects which means that a fetus has same moral status just like a grown up human with all cognitive functions in place. These realizations are associated with the intrinsic human value and dignity as full moral status occurs during conception. The implication is that equal moral status is intrinsic and humans get the moral ability because their lives are sacred.

Theories Demonstrated by Jessica, Marco, Maria and Dr. Wilson

The case study is about a fetus that is deformed and has high possibility of suffering from Down Syndrome. If born successfully, the new born will have increased possibility of suffering from mental health issues and other significant challenges as a result of cognitive deficiencies. The four people in the case study includes Jessica the expectant women with the deformed fetus, Marco, who is Jessica’s husband, and Maria, Jessica’s aunt (GCU, n.d). The fourth person is Dr. Wilson, a physician who is trying to give the family possible options and their effects on their lives. These four individuals have different ways of looking at the situation and various theories concerning the moral status of the fetus.

Jessica is experiencing a moral dilemma about her beliefs and the eventual circumstance of the child if she keeps the fetus to full-term pregnancy. Jessica understands the financial burden and health complications that the child will create on the family. At the same time, her religious beliefs are core to any decision that she would make. Her religious beliefs oppose the termination of the fetus or abortion. Jessica is a moral agent that implores her to make the most effective decisions. The approach demonstrates that Jessica is following the moral agency as she will decide the moral status of the unborn baby. Again, her decision is influenced by her religious beliefs since she is a Christian (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). According to her aunt, Jessica has a relationship with the fetus by virtue of being its mother and should only act in its best interests. Jessica and her aunt, Maria demonstrate the religious theory of moral status founded on human properties. Both advance that human beings have full moral status right from conception despite their mental and physical deficiencies. Maria tells Jessica to consider her duties as a mother to the child and respect God’s will. Jessica is the fetus’s mother and a believer. These relationships provide the fetus a moral status which makes termination wrong. Both Jessica and her aunt Maria illustrate the divine command theory that is based on God being the creator and basis of morality.

On his part, Marco is worried about the expected burden of having a child with disabilities but is ready and willing to support Jessica irrespective of the decision that she makes. Marco believes that whatever decision Jessica makes is critical and based on her appreciation of the moral nature of the child. therefore, Marco shows relationship theory as the moral status of the fetus can change based on the decision that Jessica makes. Dr. Wilson provide critical medical advice and possible options for the family. However, he shows significant support for termination of the fetus based on his medical knowledge and the disabilities that it will possess. Dr. Wilson utilizes the cognitive properties’ model which asserts that the moral standing of any person is based on their ability to show and possess certain level of awareness and logic. In this case, the fetus does not possess these attributes and lacks the moral status (Brown, 2018). As such, the physician believes that the Jessica should terminate the fetus.

Influence on Determination of Each Recommended Decisions

Theories affect the recommendations as they base their positions on different ground. For example, Dr. Wilson uses a utilitarian approach which allows him to provide various choices to the family. However, Marco shows relationship theory where his decisions will be based on the choices that his wife, Jessica, makes. Marco makes decision based on his relationship with Jessica and the fetus. He also considers the financial and health burden of the unborn fetus. Jessica’s relationship with the fetus and her capability as a moral agent to make decisions affect her overall decisions in this case (Pardo, 2018). Jessica must consider the impact of her decisions on her moral perspective and religious background. Maria shows both relationship theory and divine command perspective as she encourages Jessica to factor in her relationship with the fetus and God.

Position

I think that the moral status of the fetus should be founded solely on the Christian worldview about the sanctity of life. In this case, the fetus has a moral standing. However, it is essential to consider the quality of life that the newborn will live, especially with the permanent condition of Down Syndrome. Therefore, Jessica requires sufficient support and effective interventions that could assist her have a healthy baby than terminating the pregnancy (Pardo, 2018). These interventions should consider how she can raise the child better irrespective of its condition. life is sacred and God’s gift. However, medical experts should improve the health of the child.

Conclusion

Moral status of unborn child is similar to a grown up person. In this case, the fetus has a moral standing based on the moral theory. The fetus may have deformities but the mother should be supported to make an effective decision. As demonstrated, the mother faces moral dilemma based on the financial burden of the child and her religious beliefs.

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.

Brown, M. K. (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

Grand Canyon University (GCU) (n.d). Case Study: Fetal Abnormality.

Pardo, R. (2018). The Moral Status of the Embryo from the Standpoint of Social Perceptions. In

Clinical Ethics at the Crossroads of Genetic and Reproductive Technologies (pp. 149-193). Academic Press.

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.

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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.

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

PHI 413 Case Study on Moral Status

Human beings and their origins is a question that many theories have not answered clearly. Scientific research and knowledge regarding human beings are rapidly growing; however, there is a lot that science alone cannot tell (Grand Canyon University, 2019). Philosophical and theological ideologies have tried to explain areas that scientific research cannot explain. Religion have their own worldview of what a human being is, its origin, and values. Both religion and spirituality as well as science give human beings some sort of moral status. For instance, medical professionals believe that humans are important creatures and anything causing pain to them should be eliminated through medical interventions. Religion believes that taking a life is prohibited and disease and suffering should not be an excuse for the action (Crisp & Sanders, 2018). This paper uses the presented case study to discuss moral status regarding the Christian view of the nature of human beings.

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 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.

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Course Code Class Code Assignment Title Total Points
PHI-413V PHI-413V-O502 Case Study on Moral Status 200.0

Criteria Percentage Unsatisfactory (0.00%) Less Than Satisfactory (65.00%) Satisfactory (75.00%) Good (85.00%) Excellent (100.00%)
Content 90.0%
Christian View of the Nature of Human Persons and Compatible Theory of Moral Status 30.0% Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible is insufficient. Explanation is not supported by topic study materials. Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible is unclear. Explanation is not clearly supported by topic study materials. Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible is clear. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible is clear and thorough. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible is clear, thorough, and explained with a deep understanding of the connection between them. Explanation is supported by topic study materials.

Determination of Moral Status 20.0% 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 20.0% Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is insufficient. Explanation is not supported by topic study materials. Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is unclear. Explanation unclearly supported by topic study materials. Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is clear. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. 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. 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 20.0% Evaluation of which theory is personally preferable along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is inadequate. Evaluation of which theory is preferable along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is lacking a personal connection. Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear. Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear and relevant. 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.

Group 2 10.0%
Organization, Effectiveness, and Format 5.0% Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used. 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. 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. 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. Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.

Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style) 5.0% Sources are not documented. Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors. Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present. Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct. Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.

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Assignment: Case Study On Moral Status

Assignment: Case Study On Moral Status

Assignment: Case Study On Moral Status

Assignment: Case Study On Moral Status

The term “Imago Dei” is applied to human beings that show the relation between God and human beings. The image of God in humans represents God’s self-actualization for human beings’ same time referring to God’s care for human mankind. In the Christian concept, imago Dei represents the “Image of God” or we can say the imprints of God in human beings (Kilner & Stahi, 2017). In other words, having the conscious recognition of human beings in the image of God means they are the creature through whom, God’s plans and purposes can be known and actualized, and humans in this way can be seen as co-creators with God. The moral implications and meaning of imago Dei, if humans love God then they must love other humans, as each is an expression of God (White, 2020). We, humans, are different from other creatures because of our rational structure, our capacity for deliberation, and free decision-making. This freedom gives us completeness allowing the possibility for self-actualization and participation in a sacred reality. However, the freedom which makes humans in God’s image is the same freedom that manifests itself in estrangement from God as the myth of the Fall (Adam and Eve) exemplifies (Kilner & Stahi, 2017).

The Bibles teach that all people are created in the image of God, which has great meaning referring to that all people have great God-given dignity and all can participate in glorious God-intended destiny. Real Christians will not choose a person according to their ability and capabilities to treat them well but by treating everyone equally without judging, especially people with disabilities, finding ways to bring them into a loving and supportive community (Kilner & Stahi, 2017).

This concept is important in healthcare because medical professionals have to see patients as God sees them. Patients shouldn’t be downgraded and disrespected. They should be provided with all necessary treatments and meet all basic requirements and fulfilled their needs as one wish for themselves. Because we are all made the same in the “image of God”, the care I give is what I expect to get back.

Kilner, J., & Stahl, D. (2017). The Image of God, Bioethics, and Persons with Profound Disabilities. Halo.gcu.edu. Retrieved September 5, 2022, from https://halo.gcu.edu/resource/1e1ad5c1-b1a4-48f2-b6fb-e6cfc075e426?nestedResourceId=eda7d6e5-2c46-4f23-b60f-cf0c2232e605

White, N. (2020). God, Humanity, and Human Dignity. Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values and decision making in Health Care. Retrieved September 5, 2022, from https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/2