Theories of Moral Status
Moral status can be defined as a concept that deals with determining what is valuable and what is not. Its moral status determines the value attached to something. Christians believe that human beings are superior among all the organisms. A debate, however, arises as to what extent human beings should act to safeguard the moral status. The moral agency theory is compatible with the Christian belief on moral status since human beings relate believe that they have the authority to choose what is morally right and what is not. The relationship between human beings and other organisms takes into consideration, the value of human life and the preservation of dignity in everyday activities. Jessica, Marco, Maria and Dr Wilson appear to apply the theory of relationship in determining the moral status of the fetus because they cannot decide the fate of the fetus that will terminate the relationship with the fetus’ parents. The theory of moral agency would still be well positioned to solve the problems at hand since the fetus is not able to make decisions on the life to follow and the application of moral agency will give Jessica, Marco, Maria and Dr Wilson decide the fate of the fetus.
Christians believe that human life is more important compared to the other organism. The belief on human superiority is derived from the fact that human beings are rational, have a clear language and a sense of awareness, unlike other organisms. A good example is how a human being believes that killing animals or plants for food is acceptable, but when an animal kills a human being for food, then it becomes immoral and unacceptable. (Linzey, 2016)Argues that Christianity is based on extreme speciesism which is a vice not lesser than racism and feminism. The belief that a particular species is special without giving a second thought has been challenged by several scholars who argue that moral status should not only be rated on bases of rationality and awareness but also on the ability to sense pain and mood. Christian beliefs are just grounded on the theory of moral agency based on relationship. The decisions made by a human being are always affected by the relationship between the human being and the victim. Human value and dignity depend on the level of morality acceptable by society. Christianity, as much as supports man’s superiority, careless handling of other organisms is immoral and only acceptable handling should be done.
Jessica, Marco, Maria and Dr Wilson are faced with a dilemma on the moral status of a fetus (Bartleby, 2015). Jessica, for example, has to make a tough decision between financial freedom and respect for life. The relationship Jessica and the fetus do not allow her to terminate the pregnancy. Keeping the pregnancy however will mean financial problems will arise and the child may suffer also. Maria cannot stand any mention of termination because according to the theory of moral agency on the relationship, Jessica being the mother is related to the fetus and has no right whatsoever to terminate the pregnancy. Marco, on the other hand, is related to both the fetus as the father and Jessica as the mother to her unborn child. Marco will seemingly agree to the decision that Jessica makes, but in the event, it is against the rights of the fetus Marco will likely dispute. Dr Wilson is limited on the action to take by the relationship between the fetus and the parents. From the case study, it is evident that the theory of moral agency on a relationship is at play because no one is at liberty to terminate the life of the fetus despite the situation at hand. It is worthy agreeing with the theory of moral agency of relationship because, by it, life is much safe. The recommendation on the action to take concerning the fate of the fetus will remain to be that no one has the right to terminate a life no matter the stage of life and circumstance.
The issue of moral status is complicated when it comes to Christianity. A conflict of interest arises every time there is a need to assign the value to anything. Several scholars have criticised the belief that human beings are superior as an act of speciesism and immoral. In the fetal abnormality, the theory of moral agency of relationship limits Jessica, Marco, Maria and Dr Wilson on the course of action to take concerning the fetus. The theory of moral agency on a relationship is great in the protection of life, especially where the victims are at a disadvantageous position to champion for the right of life.