Download Moral Status of Fetal Abnormalities: A Case Study Analysis and more Lecture notes Accounting in PDF only on Docsity! Running head: MORAL STATUS CASE STUDY: FETALABNORMALITY REFLECTION PAPER PHI-413 Moral Status Case Study: Fetal Abnormality Reflection Paper Grand Canyon University: PHI-413 Ethical and Spiritual Decision Making in Healthcare The fetal abnormality case study is a life-like scenario and truly puts the minds of all involved into deep thinking. Spiritual beliefs are tasked with finding the “right” answer, and there are conflicting trains of thought that can cause some confusion. Fetal abnormalities are rare but can play a critical hardship role in everyone affected by it. This case study refers to one of the most controversial biomedical ethical issues, abortion. As a nurse, there is a lot to consider when addressing these complex circumstances. In these instances, nurses need to address the religious/spiritual views of the nature of humans and the intrinsic human value and dignity. In this paper, we will review the moral theory that is best depicted and the evidence that proves it, the function the morals theory plays on the individual's actions, and the alternative theory, which the author believes would best suit this situation. Christianity follows the conceptual view based on the Latin phrase, Image Dei. God created all human beings to be similar to himself, containing specific attributes, including two main similarities: purpose in life, and unique abilities, such as reasoning. "God has designed human nature with a specific purpose and function such that it is oriented toward living a flourishing life" (Bogue & Hogan, 2020). Christians believe that humans are obligated to act morally and live a moral life. Since God made the universe morally good from the very beginning, they must live according to God's planned design. The theory that correlates closest to the Christian views is the "theory based on human properties," which is cunningly similar to an essentialist view of human value. In Christianity, human beings are looked upon as unique because of special abilities, such as reason. These God-given abilities and purpose are what make people unique and different from all other life forms. "Unlike other living beings, humans have the ability to think and understand. This helps them weigh up actions and consequences, using their conscience and experience to guide them" (The nature of God, 2015). Our God-given abilities are the exact reason why human beings have intrinsic human value and dignity. God created humans with the application of the concept "Imago Dei," and with that humans were made perfect, therefore having inherent value. In this case study Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson are all affected by fetal abnormalities, and each person has their moral theory that they each portrayed. Dr. Wilson uses the "theory based on sentience" because he realizes that the fetus is still viable and the possibility of living a life full of pain and hardships. Dr. Wilson fears that the child of Jessica and Marco would be having a life full of pain, which in this theory would be considered evil. Dr. Wilson's use of the "theory based on sentience" is most prevalent, especially when he voices his view that abortion is scientifically and medically the wisest choice in this situation. Dr. Wilson is influenced by the scientific evidence that Jessica's child would have obstacles being born with disabilities and fears that it is only humane to proceed with an abortion. Abortion will terminate the child's life, so the child does not suffer the evil pain. Marco and Jessica share the same moral theory of "theory based on human properties." This theory considers human beings as having value because of underlying certainties that pertain to human beings. They both have to confront the concern that they are pregnant with a child, who will be born with no arms and possibly with down syndrome. Both Marco and Jessica must have the ability to make a morally significant decision and take ownership of their decision.
