Case Study on Moral Status PDF

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Running Head: CASE STUDY ON MORAL STATUS

Case Study on Moral Status GCU: PHI – 413V-0501 Name August 20, 2017

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CASE STUDY ON MORAL STATUS

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Case Study on Moral Status Introduction This study is related to Fetal abnormalities. This study focuses on four individuals, expressing their feelings about aborting a fetus are presented with complications. They are, a thirty-year-old pregnant Jessica and Marco her husband, Maria her aunt and Dr. Wilson her primary doctor. In this scenario, Jessica is four months pregnant with a fetus that has a 25% chance of Down Syndrome and currently does not have any arms and will not likely develop them. Jessica’s husband Marco shows willingness to back whatever choices she willing to take. Her aunt, Maria is a religious person pleads with Jessica about her commitment to God and her unborn child. Her primary physician, Dr. Wilson supports aborting the abnormal fetus. Jessica’s family is a Christian family and this study’s moral theory is based on emotional, religious and scientific beliefs. Emotional Moral Aspect Marco is Jessica’s husband, is experiencing emotions while discussing with Dr. Wilson regarding Jessica’s pregnancy and medical condition of the fetus. He is trying to insist Dr. Wilson not to share the medical result with Jessica right away. He thinks that, she may break down after hearing the medical result. Marco wants to wait for the right time to share the news or fetal complications with his wife. He has realized that his wife is not prepared for the onslaught of emotions, and the immediate aftermath. He wants to prepare her slowly and needs time for it to sink in. Either way, he is emotionally ready to support his wife. Religious Moral Aspect Jessica’s aunt Maria is very religious person, believes in God strongly and preparing Jessica to accept God’s gift as is. Maria has strong faith in prayers. After hearing the news from Dr. Wilson about the condition of the fetus Maria praying to God loudly and requests prayers from priest. Maria believes that, we are all children of God and should not take someone’s life but accept as gift of God (Davis, 2015). Maria does not support abortion and thinks that it is a sin and wants Jessica to continue with the pregnancy and urges to think of her responsibility as a mother. As Jesus says in the Gospel of Saint John 9:3 “But this happened so that the works of

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God might be displayed in him”, the cause of this child’s disability to considering the purpose of it, is the only way human can understand the importance and the value of every life which is the gift from God. Scientific Moral Aspect Dr. Wilson is Jessica’s primary physician. After ultrasound and scan, it has revealed that there is an abnormality with fetus. Dr. Wilson shares the results with husband Marco. Even though Marco has insisted Dr. Wilson not to share the bad news with his wife, Dr. Wilson has proceeded in Jessica’s room and explained to her about the condition of the fetus, the prognosis of pregnancy and the best option in her situation. Marco is seen not happy with doctor’s decision, but Dr. Wilson is right about his professional obligation in informing the patient about the diagnosis. Also, the doctor has suggested the couple to go for an abortion. Because, giving birth to an abnormal child will be burden physically, mentally and financially for rest of their life. Abortion is the right choice when it comes to the scientific moral aspect. Recommendation and Personal Perspective After reading this case study, as a nurse and a mother of two to make such a decision is a difficult choice for me. This author understands and feels about the first child. There are only two choices available to bring the child with deformities and face whatever consequences or not to bring the child to the world. As a first-time mother, emotionally, it is a hard time to deal with. In this situation, better choose the right option. Losing a child, especially first child is a heart broken. But at the same time living with and taking care of a child with complications are a hard choice too. As a Christian, this author does not support abortion, but also believes in quality of life. In this case, all options left out except to take a hard choice to go for a scientific way, otherwise they must face the painful issues like frequent doctor’s office visits, long term hospitalization depends on the severity of child’s complications, financial management etc. At least in this case, Jessica has a very supportive husband, after all he is looking for his wife’s wellbeing. He is emotionally very upset with doctor; the way doctor has rushed to reveal the medical result with Jessica. This writer does not support with Marco’s emotional moral because medical professionals have an obligation to inform the patient. And, the patient has the right to know his/her medical conditiontoo. If patients are not informed their medical condition on right time, their health status can deteriorate faster and may develop more complications. As a health

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provider, we should share with patients about their current health status. This writer agrees with Dr. Wilson’s decision about informing Jessica, and support scientific moral theory that Dr. Wilson has suggested as soon as finding out the test result. According to this author’s perspective, Dr. Wilson did the right thing to advise couple to go for an abortion to avoid life time burden and pain. Conclusion The 4 persons in this case study, as well as the author have different ethics preserving the sanctity and importance of human life. As a religious person, this author believes that abortion is immoral and goes against faith. However, as a medical professional, it is important to respect and support our patient’s decision, whether they fall in line with our own ethics or not. Still, this is a difficult choice and the patients will need to live with for the rest of their lives. Abortion can make deep and severe impacts on patient’s life. Still this writer believes “God is the source of all goodness; his glory is the wellspring of all joy. What God does for his own sake, benefits us”.

CASE STUDY ON MORAL STATUS

References: Alcorn, R., Family Life: How God Uses Suffering for His Glory. Retrieved from: http://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/marriage/challenges/hardship-andsuffering/how-god-uses-suffering-for-his-glory Davis, J., (2015). Abortion and the Christian. Abortion Facts. Retrieved from: https://www.abortionfacts.com/books/abortion-and-the-christian Grand Canyon University (2013). Case study: Fetal Abnormality. PHI-413V-RST2Casestudy.pdf Hughes, G. (1982). Abortion and moral theory. J Med Ethics, 8(3):157-158. Nhs, UK. (2015). Abortion for fetal abnormality- Pregnancy and baby guide. NHS Choices. Retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/terminationabortion-for-foetal-abnormality.aspx Torres, J., & De Vries, R., Birthing ethics: what mothers, families, childbirth educators, nurses, and physicians should know about the ethics of childbirth. J Perinat Ed. 2009;18(1):1224.

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