Case Study: Healing and Autonomy

Running head: CASE STUDY: HEALING AND AUTONOMY 1
Case Study: Healing and Autonomy
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

CASE STUDY: HEALING AND AUTONOMY 2
Question 1
It is right for the physician to bar the father (mike) from making the decision that seems
irrational and harmful to James’ health. Patient’s autonomy is the right of a patient to make the
decision regarding their medical care without the health professionals making any decision for
them or influence the decision towards treatment. It only allows the health professional to offer
health education to the patient but not making decision for them regarding their health. In this
case, because Mike is not the patient but a parent/guardian, he can be prevented from making
such decision on behalf of James even though he is a parent. If it would be James standing for
that (opting for prayers and not medical procedure intervention), it could have been ethically
right. It is possible that the pain and the state of health for James would be wanting that in his
heart he wishes he would see the doctor but because the parents suggest otherwise, he is made to
oblige and follow the suit even when he is hurting. May be when given an opportunity, he would
choose to undergo the medical procedure. As a matter of concern, it is not Mike who is
supposed to make the decision for James as much as he has parental rights. It is right therefore to
state that the physician is at liberty of preventing parents from deciding for the patient.
Otherwise, this is not disrespect of the physician.
Question 2
According to Ferngren (2016), Christians view sickness and diseases in different perspectives;
there are some who believe that sickness is part of the test of faith of Christian just like Job in the
bible was tested and stood the test by depending on God and finally restored his health (Job 1-25,
NIV bible). There are those who also believe that sickness and diseases is inclined to demonic
attacks. Demons and the powers of darkness have a way of causing havoc and making the
Christians suffer and lose focus in enjoying the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ