Moral status is a scientific term used to describe the inherent value of an object such as fetus which is ascribed based on five theories: human properties, cognitive elements, moral agency, sentience and relationship properties. According to the case study: Fetal Abnormality, Jessica’s unborn child can be explained using the above elements from the different perspectives guided by all characters in the case. According to Christianity, humans are created in the image of God and have divine predestination even before they are born. Christians believe that life begins at conception and God has reasons and purposes for His creation no matter how different they may look. Every human has limitless value and dignity according to Biblical scriptures which should not be tampered with. Jessica, Aunt Maria, Dr. Wilson and Marco relate to the fetal abnormality case based on their beliefs and understanding of moral status.
Jessica’s Perspective
Jessica upholds her responsibilities towards her unborn baby and their future plans on shelter. Together with her husband, they “have finally earned enough money to move out of their Aunt Maria’s home and into an apartment of their own. They are both hard workers.” Moreover, the author claims that “Jessica is torn between her hopes of a better socioeconomic position and increased independence along with her conviction that all life is sacred” (Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, Grand Canyon University). This excerpt reveals Jessica’s second perspective on human properties which are based on Christian values and ethics of moral status. She believes she has the responsibility of taking care of her unborn child which prompts them to seek medical attention i.e. prenatal care and she constantly relates to the burden resulted by a disabled child and possible barriers to their economic stability and future plans.
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Aunt Maria’s Perspective
First, Aunt Maria is exhibited as a religious character that turns to prayers and emotional behavior to seek solace and persuade Jessica to accept the pregnancy and continue nursing it till term. She believes that God has sacred intentions for every pregnancy and it was her responsibility to keep the fetus safe. She advises Jessica to allow what “God intends” relating to the human properties theory which explains that life begins at fertilization and fetuses have similar moral rights like every other human being. Secondly, Aunt Maria incorporates a relationship properties concept when she advises Jessica to consider “her responsibility as a mother”, describing parent-child bond (Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, Grand Canyon University). This means that Aunt Maria’s perspective of moral status is greatly founded on human and responsibility properties which hierarchize pro-life obligations and dignity.
Dr. Wilson’s Perspective
Dr. Wilson advises Jessica on terminating her pregnancy based on ultrasound scans revelations of fetal abnormality. According to his profession, Dr. Wilson considers the best scientific alternative to ease Jessica’s life and ensure that she attains quality life without having to care for a struggling child with Down’s syndrome and missing limbs. Due to the condition rarity, Dr. Wilson believes that carrying the pregnancy to term may result to poor life quality of the child and eventual family suffering. As he states, “abortion is scientifically and medically a wise choice in this situation”, to refer to the severity of the unknown outcomes based on the rarity. This specifically puts his perspective into cognitive properties theory because Dr. Wilson views that the child will have limited cognitive abilities and physical capacity to engage in meaningful activities. Secondly, Dr. Wilson “insists that he has an obligation to Jessica as his patient... (Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, Grand Canyon University)” explaining a responsibility theory attachment.
Marco’s Perspective
Marco purely relies on relationship properties theory to explain his moral status: “Marco insists that Dr. Wilson refrain from telling Jessica the scan results, assuring him that he will tell his wife himself when she is emotionally ready for the news” (Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, Grand Canyon University). Marco is also ready to support Jessica’s decision and opts for continues pr4egancy even with the financial responsibilities and family plans. He adds up to his wife’s perspective of human properties through his willingness to support her decision and any choice she makes regarding the pregnancy and their family life. Secondly, Marco incorporates moral agency perspective when he proposes to tell Jessica the scan results after she had emotionally calmed down. He believes that emotions are a hindrance to sound thinking and judgments which should be allowed to calm first.
Conclusion
The above discussions relate to individual understanding and ethics related to fetal moral status and the best considerations in their contexts. I highly concur with Dr. Wilson’s view of abortion and quality of life to resolve rare abnormalities and enhance parental quality. I agree with cognitive properties theory in the essence of ensuring full capacity to actively engage in activities, self-awareness and the ability to effectively integrate with social environments. I also agree with moral agency and relationship properties theories which emphasize on moral and sound judgments and obligations in context respectively. Therefore, in respect to the case study, I would advise for abortion due to the situation complexity and my professional understanding of the medical conditions in Jessica’s fetus.
