Case Study Assignment: Fetal Abnormality
Case Study Assignment: Fetal Abnormality
Moral Status
Morals have a high influence on the manner in which nurses provide their care. They provide the basis for their decision-making on aspects of care that should be implemented in their settings. Nurses should understand the manner in which their morals influence the care they provide to their patients. Therefore, this research paper explores the theories of moral status that apply to the provided case study on fetal abnormality.
Christian View of the Nature of Human Beings
According to the Christian perspective, God created human beings. Human beings were created in the image and likeness of God. Human beings are perceived to have dominion over the creations of God such as fish and birds and all over the world. God therefore expects human beings to protect God’s creations. The scripture also perceives man to be organic being that has self, ego, and the life principle. The organic components control or regulate both the physical, mental, spiritual, and social functioning of human beings. Christianity also perceives that the human person should be preserved alongside renewal of its society. The protection is achieved by being conscious of the role that the soul, body, and conscience of will and mind play in influencing human actions. Christianity further perceives that the decision on taking human life lies with God. It is sinful for human beings to take life or make decisions that would result in ultimate loss of human life in their environments. Therefore, as humans protect God’s creation, they should also preserve the right to life of other human beings.
Theory of Moral Status Compatible with Christian View of Human Beings
The Christian perspective of human beings aligns with that of the theory of moral status based on human properties. According to this theory, human beings are the only of God’s creation have status. It also conceptualizes the life of human beings to begin at the point of fertilization. Unlike the medical view, human life cannot be terminated once fertilization has occurred. This assertion implies that all human beings have absolute moral rights as well as status that must be protected. The provision does not take into consideration the age, sex, or background of an individual in the society. The theory also holds that human beings have the intrinsic responsibility of protecting the health and wellbeing of others in their societies. This extends to upholding the morals that ensure that no harm is caused to other human beings in the world (Alexander, 2018). Therefore, these provisions relate to the intrinsic human dignity and value where human beings protect the right of human beings to life irrespective of their background or health status.
Theories being used by Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson
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According to the case study, it can be seen that Maria is making her decisions using the moral agency theory. The theory
operates on what is perceived to be right and wrong by an individual or individuals in a society. This theory recognizes the existence of diverse morals due to influence of factors such as ethnicities and cultural practices. However, individual’s position concerning a decision should be respected since it reflects their experiences (Shepherd, 2018). Maria does not belief in abortion. She also believes that God has a purpose for the child having the abnormalities. Therefore, she should not terminate it since it would be against the will of God.
It can be argued that Dr. Wilson uses the cognitive properties theory in making his decisions concerning the pregnancy. According to the cognitive properties theory, decisions are made based on cognition. Factors such as awareness, memory, experience, understanding, and perception influence one’s decisions in this theory. The theory also recognizes the fact that human beings have the freedom to act as well as engage in purposeful actions. However, it is essential that people provide reasons that guide their actions. Through this, rationality as well as high order volition in the decision-making is promoted (Dimmock & Fisher, 2017). It can be seen from the case study that Dr. Wilson is aware of the adverse consequences of the child being born without arms and Down’s syndrome. He offers Jessica and her husband the possible consequences of not terminating the pregnancy. Dr. Wilson also offers them abortion as the best medical and scientific option that can be adopted in this situation. By doing this, he uses the cognitive properties theory of moral status.
It can be argued that Jessica tries to use all the available theories to come up with a justified solution to the problem. For instance, the theory of human properties applies to her because she does not support termination of the pregnancy. The theory of cognitive properties also applies to her since she wants to explore all the available alternatives prior to making a decision (MacCormack, 2016). She is willing to utilize the different sources of information to make informed decision. She also uses the theories of moral status as well as relationship since she wants to not only make informed decision concerning the pregnancy but also that will benefit her and her family. She utilizes the theory of relationships because she needs to consider the perspectives of Maria, her doctor, and Marco in the decision making process. Therefore, she has to ensure that she makes a decision that promotes the interests of all the stakeholders involved in the case study.
Marco uses the theory of relationships. He engages Dr. Wilson in exploring the situation and the available solutions. It can be seen that he supports the termination of the pregnancy due to the negative outcomes associated with it on their lives. However, he perceives that Jessica’s decision concerning the pregnancy should be upheld. He also considers the need for reaching a consensus on the most effective approach to the pregnancy. Therefore, he upholds the principles asserted in the theory of relationships in the moral status. It can be seen from the above that theories determine the recommended actions for each of these characters in a number of ways. It provides them with a basis that informs their decisions. It also forms the basis of the assumptions of their decisions. Consequently, theories form the routines used in the decision making process.
Theory I Agree with
The theory that I agree with is the human properties theory. I believe that human beings have a right to life. This is irrespective of their health condition or background. I also believe that life begins at conception. As a result, no human being has the right to make decisions on whether one’s life should be preserved or terminated. Lastly, I believe that human beings have the responsibility to protect God’s creations. This includes those born with disabilities in our societies. Therefore, the right of the unborn child to life should be safeguarded.
In conclusion, the above analysis has demonstrated the manner in which theories of moral status influence the decisions we make on a daily basis. Nurses and other healthcare providers should respect the decisions that their patients make on the care they need. However, patients should be provided with adequate information for them to make informed decisions. Therefore, nurses should understand the influence of their moral status on the care that they provide to their patients.
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.