Fetal Abnormality: Understanding Different Theories and Biblical Connotations

Running head: FETAL ABNORMALITY
Fetal Abnormality
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

FETAL ABNORMALITY
Introduction
Due to the significance of life, a lot of debates have arisen with respect to the
issue of abortion or the end of human life (Megan Best, 2018). This essay tries to
understand the different theories and Biblical connotations attached to this issue of
giving birth and undertaking abortion. In this respect, the essay makes use of a case
study who are faced with the ethical and legal dilemma of undergoing an abortion.
Identification of Theories used by those involved
Jessica’s Theory
Jessica was the mother and hence, the decision to end the life of her child was
quite difficult. However, she knew that if the child was born, it would have to live a
difficult life. Furthermore, the socioeconomic position of the parents was also not
good. Thus, the theory which guided her was that of virtue ethics (Slack, 2017). She
had respect for all human life and did not want to abort the fetus.
Marco’s Theory
The birth of human beings has always been considered one of the greatest
miracles of life. Apart from the mystical and religious connotations, it is also a
scientific marvel that a female is able to bring another life form on Earth. However,
Marco was concerned about the mental health of Jessica. He wanted to support Jessica
in whatever she wanted to do. The theory which guided his actions was the theory of
ethics since he wanted the good life for Jessica (Foster, 2004).
Maria’s Theory
Maria believed in the sacredness of all life on Earth (Oderberg, 2008). When she

2FETAL ABNORMALITY
heard from Dr. Wilson that the baby of Jessica might not be able to survive due to a
host of complexities, she was sacred for the life of the said baby. Maria wanted
Jessica to keep the baby. This is apparent from her call to the priest and praying for
his help.
Thus, Maria is observed to be a close and ardent follower of the teachings laid
down in the Bible. The Bible is seen to be aligned to the theory of pro-life. According
to the Pro-Life Theory, every individual have the right to survive in this world and be
given an opportunity to exist (Lee, 2004). The fetus is seen to a living being and
therefore, abortion is strictly prohibited by the Bible. The killing of a fetus through the
means of abortion is similar to a murder situation. Therefore, it can be observed that
the Bible is strictly against the issue of abortion.
Dr. Wilson’s Theory
Dr. Wilson was a responsible doctor. When he got to know about the predicament
that Jessica was in, he was adamant to follow through his obligation as a doctor. As a
result when Marco wanted Dr. Wilson to hide the information about the fetal
abnormality that Jessica was facing from his wife. Dr. Wilson was adamant that
Jessica be told the truth.
The theory that is seen to be applicable for Dr. Wilson is the theory of moral
theory of human survival. According to the bodily rights argument as advocated by
Judith Jarvis Thompson, it is observed that there is a moral obligation to terminate the
fetus which is unable to survive (Lee, 2015). Thus, according to Dr. Wilson, in this
scenario, the termination of the fetus was justified as he believed that the fetus would
not be able to enjoy a good quality of life which is the basic need of every individual.