Introduction
The case study analyzes the moral status of Mexican immigrants who have a fetus with fetal abnormality and is at risk of 25% having Down syndrome. Based on their interaction with the various persons, each person’s moral perspective is analyzed based on the fetus and their worldview (Jaworska & Tannenbaum, 2019). Marco, Jessica’s husband, supports whichever decision she makes; their aunt Maria, being a Christian, reminds them of their obligation to the unborn child and God. While Dr. Wilson supports aborting the fetus, they all bring out various theories on the tenets of moral status.
Christian world view
The tenets of the worldview dictate that all human beings are intricate. Thus, every person is made in the image of God, who skillfully created all beings with body and soul. This tenet is grounded on faith and believing that all will receive fulfillment. Thus, every person has intrinsic value and dignity based on the theory of Imago Dei, which dictates that all human beings, despite their mental or physical disadvantages, have inherent dignity and worth as they reflect Dei.
The relationship theory of moral status aligns with Marco’s support of Jessica’s decision; this shows the relationship between her and her husband. Jessica is concerned with the quality of life the child will have in the future and its impact on the family. Thus showing emotional and relationship concerns with the fetus and the family (Persson, 2021). Additionally, Jessica has a relationship with the fetus and an obligation as a mother.
Maria, being a Catholic, believes that Jessica should allow God’s intent to take place and that life is sacred, thus aligning with human property and Imago Dei. She insists on Jessica’s obligation as a mother to the child. Additionally, Jessica’s belief that all life is sacred aligns with the Imago Dei, which dictates that all life should be protected at all stages, no matter the circumstances, believing all life is holy and valuable.
Additionally, Jessica acts as a moral agent to make the appropriate decision to decide the child’s fate, thus representing the ethical agency theory. She has to decide whether to keep the child or abort the child based on the future constraints the child will bring to the family (Christensen, 2020). Additionally, she believes that she has an obligation not to hurt the fetus as life, no matter what; this follows the theory of sentience; although the pain of bringing up a child with Down syndrome is expected, she is conscious of the feelings of responsibility and pain towards the unborn child.
On the other hand, Dr. Wilson lets the family understand all the options available and offers his direction through his rationality and awareness as a doctor. He offers the choice of abortion as his preferred choice under the circumstances. Dr. Wilson’s perspective aligns with cognitive properties, moral status dictated by his medical knowledge, and the rationality that the fetus possesses no moral authority to have no objection to being aborted.
Recommendations for action from the theories
Each individual has their perception of the fetus’s status; Maria and Jessica, influenced by Imago Dei’s theory, would oppose the termination of the fetus, while Dr. Wilson, guided by the cognitive theory through his professional knowledge, advocates for the termination of the pregnancy (Christensen, 2020). By supporting his wife’s decision following the relationship tenet, Marco would allow the wife to keep the child if she chooses. However, he might also object based on the economic burden the family must endure by keeping the pregnancy. Jessica, however, has the moral agency obligation to decide the case, understanding her commitment to the child and the responsibility it would dictate to keep the child.
Reflection
My stance aligns with the Imago Dei theory, where all life is sacred, thus dictating the preservation of life no matter the mental and physical capabilities. Life has inherent value and dignity regardless of whether it’s a fetus, child, youth, plant, animal, or adult. The dilemma offered to Jessica to me would be more inclined to this tenet of Imago Dei to life and sanctity of divine rule.
References
Christensen, A.-M. S. (2020). Descriptive moral theories. Moral Philosophy and Moral Life, 45–72. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198866695.003.0003
Jaworska, A., & Tannenbaum, J. (2019). Persons and moral status. Persons, 334–362. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190634384.003.0014
Persson, I. (2021). Moral status and moral significance. Rethinking Moral Status, 108–122. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780192894076.003.0007
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