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.
Based on “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” and other 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.
The Christian view of the nature of human persons is rooted in the belief that humans are created in the image of God and possess intrinsic value and dignity. This perspective is compatible with the theory of moral status known as “theological or religious ethics.” According to this theory, the moral status of a person is determined by their relationship with God and their participation in the divine image. In Christianity, all human beings are considered sacred and valuable because they are created by God, and their dignity is inherent in their status as creatures made in God’s likeness.
In the case study, various characters hold different theories regarding the moral status of the fetus:
- Jessica appears to be torn between her desire for a better socioeconomic position and her conviction that all life is sacred. She seems to be influenced by the Christian view, which recognizes the intrinsic value and dignity of all human life.
- Marco views the pregnancy and the prospects of a disabled child as a burden and a barrier to their economic security and plans. He may lean more towards a utilitarian or consequentialist theory, where the moral status of the fetus is determined by the perceived impact on their quality of life and economic well-being.
- Aunt Maria strongly believes in following God’s intentions and urges Jessica to think of her responsibility as a mother. She likely holds a theological or religious ethics perspective, similar to the Christian view, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the divine plan.
- Dr. Wilson, the attending physician, appears to adopt a utilitarian perspective, focusing on the quality of life that a child with disabilities might have. He advocates for abortion as a responsible medical alternative, suggesting that the fetus may not have a fulfilling life.
I personally agree with the Christian view of the nature of human persons, which emphasizes the intrinsic value and dignity of all human life. This perspective aligns with the belief that every individual, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, is created in the image of God and should be treated with respect and compassion. Therefore, I would recommend a course of action that respects the sanctity of life and supports Jessica in her decision to continue the pregnancy if that aligns with her beliefs and values.
In practical terms, this means providing Jessica with all the necessary information and support to make an informed decision that best aligns with her convictions while respecting her autonomy. It also involves ensuring that she has access to appropriate medical care and support throughout her pregnancy and beyond, regardless of her final decision. This approach prioritizes the intrinsic human value and dignity of both Jessica and her unborn child, acknowledging their worth as beings created in the image of God.