Introduction
Any Christian regardless of the denomination and beliefs should always try to balance between spiritual and physical life. Among many Christians having faith and believing in God is important and play an important role in the quality of life of the faithful. However, in many cases, it has been a challenge to have a hard stand on one’s spiritual belief when making decisions about a person’s health and health being. In many cases, it has been a challenge for Christians to agree with the healthcare providers on the health of their loved ones. When refereeing to the case study Mike and Joanne have to make one of the hardest decision regarding the care of their son James. Mike’s son James is sick and is in need of dialysis and kidney transplant. The condition of their son has worsened due to James and Joanne’s decision to withhold dialysis and took him to healing services instead. In this paper ethical issues that are presented in the case study with the Christian principles and their implications and how they relate to ethical decision making will be discussed.
The Most Pressing Issues under the Christian Narrative and Christian Vision
In this scenario, the ethical issues that are raised require the application of both beliefs that are religious and medical science in making the decision. In this case, one of the ethical issues that are pronounced is whether the belief and faith that healing comes from God over proven medical intervention are ethical. Mike and Joanne being committed Christians believe and look up to the bible and religious leaders for guidance in their activities and decisions daily. After their son was ill they decided to seek medical attention but later changed their mind in favor of miracle healing as they believed God will heal their son. Its common among Christians to believe that if they have faith they will be healed and in many cases will decide to pray and ignore medical treatment ( Cahill, 2017) . In this case where Mike and his wife decided to postpone James’s treatment which in the end affected his health further. The decision was unethical because it resulted in putting the life of James in danger. Additionally, James being a minor still depends on the decision made by the parents for his well being, therefore, the parents made a choice that endangered his life further therefore unethical. Additionally, this observation is supported by the utilitarian ethical theory that states that the choice that will give the best outcome is the one that is ethically correct ( Cahill, 2017) . Additionally, the theory states that a person should choose the cause of action that will give the best outcome regardless of the personal believes, feelings and social constraints ( Cahill, 2017) .
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On the other hand, in this case, the principle of autonomy was superior to the bioethics principles. In this case, the decision the best cause of action to be taken was solemnly left in the hands of the parents to James and the doctors and nurses could not make any decision. Another ethical issue that comes up in this case study is organ transplant specifically the kidney. In many cases, the Christianity beliefs and faith have been viewed to be superior to those of medical practices ( Cahill, 2017) . According to some Christianity believes the body is the temple of God and should not be. In this case, James’ only chance to survive is for a kidney transplant to take place. However, this decision still lied in the hands of the parents. However, according to Christianity beliefs, a transplant will be going against their belief therefore unethical. Therefore Mike and Joanne is confused on whether to ignore his religious beliefs and allow James’ twin brother to donate his kidney
Decision Making By Mike against Professional Responsibility of the Physician to the Patient
In many jurisdictions, the decision making on behalf of a child is left to the parents of the child. In this case scenario, Mike and Joanne are seen to be making decisions based on their religious beliefs other than considering the deterioration of the health of James. This is seen more when he ignores the doctor's recommendation to have a kidney transplant within the year and still considering waiting for a miracle. On the other hand, it’s the responsibility of the health professional to give the best treatment and care to the patient which is in conflict with the parent's opinion and beliefs.
In this case, the health care providers should try to resolve the matter by trying to understand the patient, their family dynamics and at the same time addressing the ethical principles that guide medical provision to minors ( Cahill, 2017) . In this case, while applying the principle of beneficence which is acting in a way that will improve the welfare of others. The doctor should assure Mike and Joanne that a kidney transplant will be the best for the Mike.
On the other hand in medicine, it is important to solve conflicts for sake of the patient while at the same time maintaining high professional integrity ( Cahill, 2017) . In accordance with the law, the physicians my consider Mike’s and Joanne’s decisions as negligence, therefore, ignore them. In this case, it should be understood that the right to believe should not put the life of another in danger, in this case, Mike's life. In this case, Mike’s actions will be unethical as he will not be following the principle of nonmaleficence that states that one should act to prevent harm to others that are needless ( Cahill, 2017) .
The Christian Narratives, Treatment Refusal, Patient Autonomy, and Organ Donation
In many cases, refusal of medication is seen as an option when its benefits do not meet the threshold and it’s a burden to the family with very little benefits to the health of the patient (Nelson, 2014) . In this case, Mike views the treatment option for his son as of a high cost and refuses to see the real benefit and he believes that his faith is being tested by God making it a hindrance for Mike to access appropriate medical care. Therefore this is classified as a clinical dilemma as it raises many questions that are within the principle of bioethics. In this case, its Mike’s responsibility to understand the expense and the impact associated with kidney transplant and the treatment that will follow. On the other hand, it’s the duty of the healthcare provider to look at the negative and positive outcomes of the kidney transplant to both the donor in this case Samuel and James the recipient. According to the principle of autonomy, the patient has all the powers to decide the treatment option they prefer therefore Mike and Joanne cannot be forced to take the transplant option (Nelson, 2014) . However, the doctors can persuade Mike to accept the option by assuring him that it’s the best option for Mike and that Samuel will not be put in danger. In accordance with the Christian belief, God views each person and he wants them to be and not everybody will be gifted. Therefore many Christians will view organ transplant as ungodly and unethical and should to be practiced under whichever circumstances (Nelson, 2014) .
Christian’s Thoughts on Sickness and Health
According to Christianity sickness is viewed as a test from God so that his powers can be manifested. Additionally, some Christians might view sickness as a way of God punishing them for their sins (Nelson, 2014) . In the scenario, Mike thinks that James’ sickness is one way of God testing his faith. Additionally, many Christians believe that healing from sicknesses will come from God through having unshaken faith. In this case, Mike is right in having faith and believing that God will heal James through a miracle.
Conclusion
As a conclusion, the ethical issues that are seen in this case study are complex and will require the understanding of both Mike and the doctor. The main issues that come out clearly are that Mike believes and has faith that God can heal James even though his faith is shaken. On the other hand, the physician believes that the only option for James is Kidney transplant and dialysis. Even though the autonomy to decide the treatment option for mike is in the hands of his parents the health care providers have an important role. The ethical dilemma that is faced by both Mike and the physician should be resolved with the best interest of James being the main focus for both parties.
References
Cahill, L. S. (2017). Public Theology and Bioethics. A Companion to Public Theology , 369 .
Nelson, H. L. (2014). Stories and their limits: Narrative approaches to bioethics . Routledge.
