Case-Study on Moral Status

Case-Study on Moral Status

Case-Study on Moral Status

The moral status of persons, especially unborn babies, raise ethical, scientific, and religious debate with different perspectives advanced based on one’’ worldview. Moral status is the value or worth given to an individual and the type of treatment and rights inherent to them. Different theoretical perspectives exist to explain the considerations that lead to a moral status of an individual (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of moral status of an unborn baby with a 25% chance of having Down Syndrome based on the Christian view on the nature of human persons. The question of morality arises when the affected couple have to make a decision on terminating the pregnancy or not.

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Christian View of the Nature of Human Persons

According to Christians, human beings are created by God in His image based on the concept of Imago Dei. Christian beliefs advance that every living human being has a spirit and this forms the basis for their inherent dignity and value. Christianity values life and asserts that it begins at conception where all should have respect and dignity by virtue of being created in God’s image (Müller, 2020). Human beings command a divine relationship with God, right from conception and deserve dignity and respect. The implication is that unborn babies or fetuses in their mother’s wombs deserve respect, inherent dignity, and the recognition that they are human beings connected to God.

The Christian view about the nature of human persons aligns with the theory of cognitive properties which advances that all humans possess cognition. Cognition is the ability to be self-aware, have perception, memory, understanding and thinking ability. The cognitive properties theory advances that human beings have the freewill to act and participate in meaningful tasks and acts. They can also communicate and demonstrate rationality and high order volition (Singh, 2020). The cognitive properties theory is associated with the intrinsic human value and dignity as it shows that human beings have the highest value than other creatures. They are at the top of the cognitive ladder and should not only be treated but also valued with the utmost respect. The theory encourages Christians to demonstrate love and an honest concern for others and make decisions founded on biblical and Godly requirements.

Theories Being Used by Different Individuals in the Case Study

The case study on “fetal abnormality” shows four individuals in a delicate situation that requires them to make critical yet ethical decisions. These individuals include the potential parents of the unborn child; Jessica and Marko, Maria who is Jessica’s aunt, and the physician, Dr. Wilson. Maria is a staunch Christian who believes that Jessica should carry the pregnancy regardless of the physician’s assessment and recommendations. Jessica thinks about the decision she should make concerning the fetus. Based on her contemplation about her relationship with God and the recommendation to terminate the pregnancy which she is adamant, she uses divine command theory. Jessica has a relationship with both God and the child she is bearing (Singh, 2020). Maria reminds her of her obligation to both the unborn child and to respect God’s will. Divine command theory advances that it is only God who decides and sets different aspects of moral rules and aspects. The termination of the fetus because of deformity amounts to abortion since the baby has a moral status based on Christian worldview. Maria and Jessica use same moral theories about the issue. Jessica acts as a moral agent based on her instincts and is conflicted between her religious beliefs and the need to avoid complex situation with the fetus in the future.

Marco uses relationship theory as he is ready to support Jessica irrespective of the choice she makes. Marco shows reservations about the fetus due to financial constraints that it will place on the family resources. Marco’s perspective demonstrates that the moral status of the fetus can change since Jessica is the one to make the decision on whether to keep the pregnancy or not. Dr. Wilson shows cognitive properties theory and sentience model based on the medical recommendations to terminate the fetus based on the increased chances of having Down Syndrome. According to this model and the physician, at its age, the fetus does not possess any emotions because it lacks feelings, consciousness, and perception. The physician advances that the fetus does not possess moral status.

Influence of the Theories

The theoretical models demonstrated by the four individuals in the case study impact their recommendations and perspectives on the fetus, especially its moral status and future. Dr. Wilson’s recommendations are founded on the cognitive properties theory as he believes that the child will encounter a host of challenges. Secondly, Marco’s relationship theory influences his choice and perspective since he is ready to support any decision that Jessica makes (Stahl & Kilner, 2017).  Maria and Jessica deploy divine command theory and relationship theory which illustrate the need for Jessica not to terminate the fetus. Jessica has not made a decision on the case but is contemplating the recommendations by her aunt about the fetus. As such, these theories offer a foundation for each person in the case to make particular decisions and choices concerning the moral status of the fetus.

Theory I Concur with and Its Impacts

The theoretical perspectives that align with my worldview are the divine command and relationship models. These theories align with the Christian deontological model which asserts that life is sacred, begins at conception, and a gift from God. Further, man is created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity and respect. These theories are important as Jessica should make the right choice and decisions by adhering to their tenets (Singh, 2020). Therefore, irrespective of its status and possibly having Down Syndrome, Jessica should not terminate the pregnancy. She should appreciate that she is the mother of the child and anything that happens will only be after her permission.

Conclusion

The moral status of an unborn child remains a controversial issues pitting various perspectives, majorly science and religious practices. The medical perspective is that such fetuses may have little to chance of surviving due to their condition and quality. However ethical and religious perspective advance that irrespective of their nature, every fetus deserves life and has inherent dignity. The implication is that those involved should make better ethical decisions.

References

Beckwith, F., & Thornton, A. K. (2020). Moral status and the architects of principlism. In

The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy: A Forum for Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine (Vol. 45, No. 4-5, pp. 504-520). US: Oxford University Press.

Müller, S. (2020). Concepts and Dimensions of Human Dignity in the Christian Tradition.

Interdisciplinary Journal for Religion and Transformation in Contemporary Society, 6(1), 22-55.

Singh, P. (2020). Fetuses, newborns, & parental responsibility. Journal of medical ethics, 46(3),

188-193. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2019-105592.

Stahl, D., & Kilner, J. (2017). The image of God, bioethics, and persons with profound

intellectual disabilities. Journal of Christian Institute on Disability, 6(1–2), 19-40.

https://journal.joniandfriends.org/index.php/jcid/article/view/143

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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:

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?
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?
3. How does the theory determine or influence each of their recommendations for action?
4. 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.

Assignment: Case Study On Moral Status

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Case Study on Moral Status – Rubric

Criteria Description

Christian View of the Nature of Human Persons and Compatible Theory of Moral Status

5. Excellent

60 points

Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible with is clear, thorough, and explained with a deep understanding of the relationship to intrinsic human value and dignity. Explanation is supported by topic study materials.

4. Good

51 points

Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible with is clear, thorough, and and explains the relationship to intrinsic human value and dignity. Explanation is supported by topic study materials.

3. Satisfactory

45 points

Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible with is clear and explains the basic relationship to intrinsic human value and dignity. Explanation is supported by topic study materials.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

39 points

Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible with is unclear. Explanation is not clearly supported by topic study materials.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible with is insufficient. Explanation is not supported by topic study materials.

Criteria Description

Determination of Moral Status

5. Excellent

40 points

The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is explained clearly and draws insightful relevant conclusions. Rationale for choices made is clearly supported by topic study materials and case study examples.

4. Good

34 points

The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is explained clearly and draws relevant conclusions. Rationale for choices made is clearly supported by topic study materials and case study examples.

3. Satisfactory

30 points

The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is explained and draws relevant conclusions. Rationale for choices made is supported by topic study materials and case study examples.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

26 points

The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is not clearly explained. Rationale for choices made is unclearly supported by topic study materials or case study examples.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is not adequately explained. Rationale for choices made is not supported by topic study materials or case study examples.

Criteria Description

Recommendation for Action

5. Excellent

40 points

Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is clear, insightful, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the theory and its impact on recommendation for action. Explanation is supported by topic study materials.

4. Good

34 points

Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is clear and demonstrates an understanding of the theory. Explanation is supported by topic study materials.

3. Satisfactory

30 points

Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is clear. Explanation is supported by topic study materials.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

26 points

Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is unclear. Explanation unclearly supported by topic study materials.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is insufficient. Explanation is not supported by topic study materials.

Criteria Description

Personal Response to Case Study

5. Excellent

40 points

Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear, relevant, and insightful.

4. Good

34 points

Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear and relevant.

3. Satisfactory

30 points

Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

26 points

Evaluation of which theory is preferable along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is lacking a personal connection.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Evaluation of which theory is personally preferable along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is inadequate.

Criteria Description

Organization, Effectiveness, and Format

5. Excellent

10 points

Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.

4. Good

8.5 points

Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech.

3. Satisfactory

7.5 points

Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

6.5 points

Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used.

Criteria Description

Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)

5. Excellent

10 points

Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.

4. Good

8.5 points

Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct.

3. Satisfactory

7.5 points

Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

6.5 points

Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Sources are not documented.