Case Study: Fetal Abnormality and Moral Status

Running head: CASE STUDY ON MORAL STATUS
Case Study: Fetal Abnormality
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1CASE STUDY ON MORAL STATUS
The specific case study is about fetal abnormality in an incident that involves Jessica,
the mother-to-be, her husband Marco, their aunt Maria and the attending doctor Dr. Wilson.
The essay will illustrate the different theories held by these individuals and will provide a
recommendation as well.
Jessica’s moral position is explained by the fact that her beliefs can be classified as
pro-choice. This makes the mother in complete control of her body and allows her to decide
whether she considers an abortion necessary for her life. Marco’s opinions are also guided by
pro-choice theories since he is advocating towards the unwanted pregnancy (Strickland,
2014). Belonging to a Mexican family has ingrained in him the patriarchal values where he
acts as the head of the family and is raking all possible efforts to prevent his wife from
getting devastated, upon learning of the diagnosed condition. Maria uses the theory of
interpersonal relationship, owing to the strong rapport that she shares with Jessica. She also
holds the perception that God has created all individuals and adopts the pro-life view as well
that makes her consider abortion as morally unacceptable (Manninen & Mulder Jr, 2018).
This makes Maria treat the fetus as an individual with complete moral rights, and a separate
entity from Jessica. Dr. Wilson holds the exception view, commonly referred to as situational
abortion, where aborting the child is accepted when found to be in the benefit of the mother
and child’s physical and mental health (Cockrill et al., 2013).
Individuals supporting the pro-choice theory argue that fetuses are considered
humans, until they acquire the capability of physically surviving outside of their mother’s
womb. Thus, it allows mothers to take the decision for aborting their baby or not, prior to the
time of birth. Hence, it allows Jessica adequate time needed for taking the vital decision, for
or against abortion of the fetus. The pro-choice theory also makes Marco hold values of
freedom and liberty and provide support to his wife in her decisions, without questioning the
exact reasons behind them. The pro-life theory creates a major influence on their aunt, Maria