Theories of Moral Status Regarding Fetus and their Influence
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Theories of Moral Status Regarding the Fetus and their Influence
Moral status refers to the concept that associates ethics to the kind of treatment human beings, animals, or the environment via a hierarchy. The idea is used to define the degree of consideration available to living things. The basis of moral standing holds it that “an entity posses’ moral consideration if its interests are of moral importance to some degree for the entity’s own sake.” The understanding of moral status is commonly used in various situations for ethical decision making. Shepherd, J. (2018). The case study presents a rare condition in which there is abnormal fetal development with the fetus lacking arms. Dr. Wilson also identifies that there is no probability of future development of the limbs. As evident in the study, all parties involved in the case (Dr. Wilson, Jessica, Marco, and Aunt Maria) have varying viewpoints concerning the circumstance depending on the moral status of the fetus.
There are five theories of moral status. These include The argument based on individual properties, which states that all humans have status starting from the zygote to an adult. The theory based on moral agency supports an individual’s capability of making an ethical decision about right and wrong actions. The argument based on sentience argues that causing pain to an entity is wrong since it is harmful. The theory based on relationships claims that moral status relies on the relationship between parties, and the argument based on cognitive properties recognizes the liberty to engage in purposeful actions (Banes-Berceli, 2017).
According to Christianity, human beings have a definable nature that has been created by God. Biblically, God made man and woman in “the image of God” (Genesis 1:26-31). This verse implies that humans are like God- though not in His power. Therefore, human life is sacred. The Christian view states that the human person has dignity, and that should dictate the moral vision of society. Shepherd, J. (2018). This Christianity viewpoint relates to the theory based on individual properties. This relation is because the approach supports the fact that all humans, without any bias, have status.
The ethical principles of his profession direct dr. Wilson’s actions and recommendations. As the primary attending physician, he prioritizes the patient’s beneficence and patient’s autonomy, which obligates him to insist on informing Jessica of the medical findings. It is also his role to provide the patient with all information on the available options after considering the benefits. Shepherd, J. (2018). By following the professional roles, Dr. Wilson uses the theory of relationships. However, the fact that he suggests abortion as the best course of action shows that he aligns with the liberal philosophy, which defines the moral status of the fetus based on present circumstances. This theory justifies abortion if there are enough supporting reasons. However, it is essential to note that the doctor has no responsibility in defining the moral status of the fetus.
Aunt Maria claims that God had an intention for the pregnancy and therefore urges Jessica to follow through with it. From her statement, it is clear that her understanding of the moral status of the fetus is based on the Christian viewpoint, which is aligned with the theory based on individual properties. She biblically opposes abortion, thereby defending the life of the fetus. Biblically, the moral status of the fetus is predetermined, and therefore any decision regarding it is not under the jurisdiction of human beings. Besides, all human persons, including the fetus, has a status that deserves to be dignified. Gawron & Watson (2017). For this reason, disregarding the life of the fetus by viewing it as a future human being is assumed to be equivalent to underestimating God’s justice. Therefore, she takes an ethical approach as the solution to the fetal abnormality, and that is why she is seen praying and trying to reach the priest.
Jessica and Marco are the ones responsible for defining the moral status of the fetus since they are the parents. Even though they are the ultimate decision-makers, they appear to refrain from the concept of the fetus’s moral status. There is no part in the case study that clearly outlines Marco’s or Jessica’s support of any theory that determines the moral status of the fetus. Marco’s decisions pinpoint hedonism, which recognizes pain or pleasure as the only determinant of judgments in any situation. Gawron & Watson (2017). Hedonistic theories also prefer individual well-being over suffering. He demonstrates hedonism when trying to persuade Dr. Wilson to refrain from informing Jessica of the fetal abnormality claiming that she is emotionally unstable. Also, he views the disabled fetus as a future burden. For Jessica, she is stressed and undecided between the hedonistic theory and the philosophical theory. Therefore, her stand could be on the cognitive and human properties since she is undecided. She is probably considering how the fetus will feel in the process of abortion.
I support the theory that accepts abortions as morally right when underlying reasons are justifying it. In the situation presented in this case study, the child is most likely to face a lot of future challenges. Apart from psychosocial issues, he/she will have numerous health risks due to the possibility of Down’s Syndrome. Also, as highlighted in the study, the parents will face a severe financial burden in raising their child. Brown, M. (2018). However, even though I agree with this theory, I still regard a fetus to have moral status. Without any justifiable reason, abortion should not be an option.
References
Banes-Berceli. (2017). Medical Ethics: Theories of Moral Status. Retrieved from: https://www.studocu.com/en-us/document/oakland-university/biomedicine-and-disease/lecture-notes/theories-of-moral-status/1044276/view
Brown, M. T. (2018, March). The moral status of the human embryo. The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy: A Forum for Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine (Vol. 43, No. 2, pp. 132-158). US: Oxford University Press.
Gawron, L. M., & Watson, K. (2017). Documenting moral agency: A qualitative analysis of abortion decision making for fetal indications. Contraception, 95(2), 175-180.
Shepherd, J. (2018). Consciousness and moral status (pp. 98-99). New York: Routledge.