Case Study on Moral Status
Based on "Case Study: Fetal Abnormality" and the required topic study
materials, write a 825-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 study materials.
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
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the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful
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Case Study: Fetal Abnormality
Jessica is a 30-year-old immigrant from Mexico City. She and her husband
Marco have been in the U.S. for the last three years and 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. Jessica works 50 hours
a week at a local restaurant and Marco has been contracting side jobs in
construction. Six months before their move to an apartment, Jessica finds
out she is pregnant.
Four months later, Jessica and Marco arrive at the county hospital, a
large, public, nonteaching hospital. A preliminary ultrasound indicates a
possible abnormality with the fetus. Further scans are conducted and it is
determined that the fetus has a rare condition in which it has not
developed any arms, and will not likely develop them. There is also a 25%
chance that the fetus may have Down syndrome.
Dr. Wilson, the primary attending physician, is seeing Jessica for the
first time, since she and Marco did not receive earlier prenatal care over
concerns about finances. 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. While Marco and Dr. Wilson are
talking in another room, Aunt Maria walks into the room with a distressed
look on her face. She can tell that something is wrong and inquires of Dr.
Wilson. After hearing of the diagnosis, she walks out of the room wailing
loudly and praying aloud.
Marco and Dr. Wilson continue their discussion, and Dr. Wilson insists that
he has an obligation to Jessica as his patient and that she has a right to
know the diagnosis of the fetus. He furthermore is intent on discussing all
relevant factors and options regarding the next step, including abortion.
Marco insists on taking some time to think of how to break the news to
Jessica, but Dr. Wilson, frustrated with the direction of the conversation,
informs the husband that such a choice is not his to make. Dr. Wilson
proceeds back across the hall, where he walks in on Aunt Maria awkwardly
praying with Jessica and phoning the priest. At that point, Dr. Wilson
gently but briefly informs Jessica of the diagnosis, and lays out the
option for abortion as a responsible medical alternative, given the quality
of life such a child would have. Jessica looks at him and struggles to hold
back her tears.
Jessica is torn between her hopes of a better socioeconomic position and
increased independence, along with her conviction that all life is sacred.
Marco will support Jessica in whatever decision she makes, but is finding
it difficult not to view the pregnancy and the prospects of a disabled
child as a burden and a barrier to their economic security and plans. Dr.
Wilson lays out all of the options but clearly makes his view known that
abortion is “scientifically” and medically a wise choice in this situation.
Aunt Maria pleads with Jessica to follow through with the pregnancy and
allow what “God intends” to take place, and urges Jessica to think of her
responsibility as a mother.
GeneralEssayUndergraduate
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