Moral status is defined as the concept which evaluates special attention or treatment to something or a person. It determines the type of actions initiated by a person towards an actual event or a situation. For example, the fetal abnormality scenario is a condition that invokes the existence of an immediate decision since life is involved. The reality of life, which is highly valued; will initiate an evaluation of moral status when making the decision. For a more in-depth explanation, this paper entails a profound discussion on the moral status with the help of ethical theories in answering the fetal abnormality case study questions.
Case Study Summary
Jessica is a hardworking lady married to Marco. Both couples are immigrants in America and used to live with their Aunt Maria before they managed to own an apartment. Jessica discovers that she was pregnant and went for a checkup, where it was found that the fetus had some abnormalities. Dr. Wilson confirmed that the growing child could not form the arms, and at a higher percentage, the child could have Down syndrome after birth. The doctor further proposed for the family to consider performing an abortion, as it appeared more of a solution than keeping the baby. However, Jessica and her aunt stick with keeping the baby, as they value Christianity teaching on valuing life since it is sacred. Marco declares to support any decision made by Jane.
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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 social value and dignity?
According to Christianity, life is sacred, since God gives it. Therefore, as per the Christian view, abortion is a crime in the eyes of God and human as well. In this scenario, humans should respect life, regardless of the circumstance God provided it. In other words, Christianity character will be responsible for making the case scenario decision. This view is compatible with the implicit ethical theory. The Virtual ethic theory expounds on judgment making of a person based on character instead of action (Annas, 2015). The relation of the theory and the view exists in the context of character use in the validation of an independent moral status.
The Christian view can be stated as the key influence of intrinsic human dignity and value. Christianity values any form of life and discourages thoughts of its destruction are misused. Such teachings and solid foundation could be stated as both a direct and indirect impact on the general view of life by the public. The non-Christians as well as respect life, and this is best explained by the harsh sentencing or punishment made by courts to those associated with murder. Again, most people eat healthily, dress decently, and work hard to enjoy life, hence significant consideration of its preciousness.
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?
Jessica and Maria can be stated to have deployed the virtual ethic theory in making their judgment for the fetus moral status. This conclusion is explained by the Christianity character that they have. Both ladies believe, it is God’s will, and their judgment should be based on the Christianity teachings. The virtual ethic theory validates decision-based on character instead of action.
Marco, on the other hand, can be subjected to have deployed utilitarianism theory on his judgment. Marco states to support whatsoever decision made by his wife without a doubt. According to utilitarianism, morality exists when a more significant number is happy with the decision made (Lyons, 2015). This corresponds to Marco, as he tends to accept and support the wife's decision to make her comfortable instead of opposing.
Lastly, the Dr. Wilson decision could be stated to have been influenced by deontology theory. The doctor is more focused on facilitating his duty, hence the massive proposal for abortion consideration. The doctor recommends abortion as he finds it more suitable and healthier for the patient. Deontology theory falls in the same line, where it emphasizes n significant considerations of the action instead of the consequences involved after the operation.
How does the theory determine or influence each of their recommendations for action?
A theory is defined as a general principle used to explain a phenomenon. These phenomena must have been in the exposure of a person, hence creating a specific belief. This belief is the one responsible for judgment making. Therefore, it is legit to state that, a personal knowledge influenced each person in the case study in making the recommendation; which is describable in theory terms. Therefore, the existence of different opinions was responsible in shaping or determining their recommendation for action.
What theory do you agree with? Why? How would that theory determine or influence the recommendation for action?
I would agree with the doctor and deploy Deontology theory. The reason behind this is the vast consideration of rights for the action to be carried out. This theory would have justified the morality of involving abortion of the fetus. Scientifically, it was concluded that the quality of the fetus after birth would have been miserable. This means that the family would become both financially and emotionally disturbed during their parenting days. The financial disturbance would exist from frequent medication demands by the child, whereas emotional distress would exist constant pity for the disorderly child.
In summary, moral status is seen to be heavily influenced by morality theories. Morality theories determine the type of action to recommend as they change some personal beliefs in a person. This explains why Jessica, Maria, Dr. Wilson, and Marco had a different recommendation for action to be taken on the abnormal fetus. Each of the members was ethically right in regards to moral status.
References
Annas, J. (2015). Applying virtue to ethics. Journal of Applied Philosophy, 32(1), 1-14.
Lyons, D. (2015). Utilitarianism. Wiley Encyclopedia of Management, 1-4.
Paquette, M., Sommerfeldt, E. J., & Kent, M. L. (2015). Do the ends justify the means? Dialogue, development, communication, and deontological ethics. Public Relations Review, 41(1), 30-39.
