The Christian view of the nature of human beings is that they are made in the image and likeness of the creator. When God made man from earth and gave them life through his breath, he fashioned man like him. The aspect of the image of God is coupled with related elements that humans are expected to portray as Christians, for example, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, the only person through who it is possible to understand God and his glory wholly. With man being like God, his fulfillment is expected to be derived in the service of others, extending one’s relationship to others, just as God created a personal relationship with human beings. The egoistic Christian perspective also views the nature of persons as a result of sin, an aspect that created a personal and physical division between God and man. This view has it that human beings are selfish and more interested in their wellbeing compared to that of others because they are born sinners. Based on the above views, the Devine Command Theory would best describe the Christian view of persons. It espouses that one’s good deeds are a requirement of those created in the likeness of God. Morality is, in this case, viewed as God’s absolute expectation of obedience from human beings. The theory is related to the intrinsic value and dignity of human beings. It views human beings as sacred, hence the need to ensure living a life that reflects the ethics and morals as passed by he who is responsible for human life (Jotkowitz et al., 2010).
Dr. Wilson promotes ethical egoism because he only looks at his obligation as a physician to a patient. He does not consider the effects the revelation of the fetus’ status is likely to have on Jessica; hence, he refuses to allow Marco to break the news to her when she is mentally ready to process such information. His interest is to serve as it is stipulated in his practice. He, however, also promotes utilitarianism since he wants her to terminate the pregnancy, given how burdensome the child could be when he/she is born and the possible psychological effects on the family (Theofanidis et al., 2013). Assuming that pregnancy termination would relieve Jessica of the burden of bringing up a disabled child, he considers that the fetus does not have moral status. From the case study, the interaction between Marco and Dr. Wilson shows that he has a self-interest. His gentle explanation to Jessica about her options shows that he also promotes utilitarianism because he is concerned about Jessica’s ability to make the right decision based on his views as a trained physician. Aunt Maria mainly promotes the Devine Command Theory, which posits that life is sacred and should be respected and preserved. Being against termination of the pregnancy is based on the belief that since humans are made in the likeness of God, and they should live by his will, people should preserve others, including the fetus whose life starts in the womb(Marquis, 2006). Her actions that support this are praying with Jessica and encouraging her to keep the pregnancy. Marco promotes utilitarianism because he is ready to support whatever decision is satisfactory to Jessica. Given that he is ready to accept Jessica’s decision regardless of whether he keeps the pregnancy, he also partially support The Devine Command Theory that views the fetus as a human being even before birth. His response to Dr. Wilson after the scan shows congenital abnormalities, and his willingness to support Jessica regardless of the choice she makes proves the support to the two theories. Jessica is torn between practicing utilitarianism to promote their economic wellbeing or the Devine command theory to act according to God’s commands to preserve human life as it is sacred (Marquis, 2006). Her acceptance of calling the priest, praying with Aunt Maria, and considering their social status proves the above.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Devine Command Theory influences Aunt Maria to advise Jessica against terminating the pregnancy. Since she believes God intends the abnormalities, she pleads with her to consider following through with the pregnancy. Marcos’s decision to support Jessica’s decision and hence, giving her the freedom to choose what she is comfortable with reflects utilitarianism. Given his impartiality, he also shows the promotion of Devine Command Theory because of supporting the possibility of Jessica’s decision to carry the pregnancy to term. Dr. Wilson’s resistance to Marco’s plea to break the news to her wife supports ethical egoism. He does not consider Marco’s concern for her wife’s wellbeing but is insistent on performing his duties as a physician as required. On the other end, however, given that he tactically lays down all the options to Jessica and advises her to terminate the pregnancy, as it is scientifically proven that it is the best action in this scenario, his recommendation shows care and concern for Jessica’s wellbeing, hence, the reason for utilitarianism.
I agree with the utilitarianism theory because of the dynamic elements pertaining to the case, all of which need to be solved to ensure the best outcome for all the stakeholders involved (Theofanidis et al., 2013). The primary decision lies in Jessica’s hands. Given their past economic status and their dependence on their aunt for support, there is a need to make a decision that relieves Aunt Maria the burden of supporting the two adults and a decision that will enhance the couple’s happiness and financial stability. In this case, the decision would be to terminate the pregnancy, given the need to be independent and be in a good position to take care of all bills. While the decision might not make Aunt Maria happy, the outcome would benefit the rest, who are the majority. Additionally, utilitarianism in this situation also applies to the fetus. Given the possible reduced quality of life if the fetus is born, the child’s health is unlikely to ensure that she/he lives a happy life.
The theory is likely to negatively influence the pro-life and the need to view human life as sacred. Given that abortion would result in the best outcome for most individuals, it would positively influence its recommendation.
References
Marquis, D. (2006). Why abortion is immoral. Bioethics: An Anthology , 2 , 51.
Jotkowitz, A., & Zivotofsky, A. Z. (2010). The ethics of abortions for fetuses with congenital abnormalities. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology , 152 (2), 148-151.
Theofanidis, D., Fountouki, A., & Pediaditaki, O. (2013). To abort or not? A Greek dilemma—case study. Nurse education today , 33 (6), 644-647.
