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.
Assessment Description
Based on “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” and the required topic Resources, 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 Resources.
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.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Attachments
PHI-413V-RS-T2CaseStudyFetalAbnormality.docx
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The case study of fetal abnormality presents a complex ethical scenario where different theories of moral status and perspectives on the value of life come into play. As a medical professor in charge of creating college assignments and answers for medical college students, it is important to understand the different theories and perspectives that shape medical decision-making.
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?
According to the Christian view, human persons are made in the image of God and have intrinsic value and dignity. The theory of moral status that is compatible with this view is the theory of personhood, which holds that moral status is based on one’s capacity for rationality and self-awareness. This theory emphasizes the moral value of human persons, regardless of their physical or mental condition, because of their inherent dignity as beings made in the image of God.
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?
Jessica and Marco appear to be using a utilitarian theory, which weighs the potential outcomes of different actions to determine the moral course of action. They are concerned about the economic burden and barriers to their plans that a disabled child might cause, leading them to consider abortion. Maria holds a religious view that God has a plan for the child, and her actions reflect a deontological theory that emphasizes strict adherence to ethical duties and obligations. Dr. Wilson appears to hold the theory of personhood, as he emphasizes the intrinsic value and dignity of human life, regardless of the physical or mental condition of the fetus.
3. How does the theory determine or influence each of their recommendations for action?
Jessica and Marco’s utilitarian perspective leads them to consider abortion in light of economic pressures and future plans. Maria’s religious view leads her to urge Jessica to follow through with the pregnancy and not interfere with God’s plan. Dr. Wilson’s theory of personhood leads him to recommend abortion as a medically responsible alternative that takes into account the quality of life that the child is likely to have.
4. What theory do you agree with? Why? How would that theory determine or influence the recommendation for action?
As a medical professor, I support the theory of personhood as it emphasizes the intrinsic value and dignity of human persons, regardless of their physical or mental condition. This theory affirms the inherent worth of the fetus and recognizes its right to life. However, as a medical professional, I also recognize that each case is unique and requires individualized evaluation of the potential risks and benefits of different options. Ultimately, the recommendation for action should be based on a thorough assessment of the medical, ethical, and personal considerations involved.