Ethical Dilemma: PHI-413V Case Study on Fetal Abnormality and Choices

This case study presents a complex ethical dilemma concerning a 30-year-old pregnant woman, Jessica, and her husband, Marco, who are immigrants in the United States. During a routine ultrasound, a fetal abnormality is detected – the fetus lacks arms and may have Down syndrome. The case explores the conflicting perspectives of the couple, Dr. Wilson, and Aunt Maria, highlighting the tension between medical advice, personal beliefs, and socioeconomic considerations. Marco initially wants to shield Jessica from the news, while Dr. Wilson emphasizes the importance of informed consent and presents options including abortion. The case examines the ethical considerations, including the sanctity of life, the impact on the couple's economic plans, and the role of family and faith in decision-making. The assignment requires an analysis of the ethical issues, the options available to the couple, and the impact of various factors on their choices.

PHI-413V-RS-T2CaseStudy.docx
Case Study: For assignment #6th, Fetal Abnormality
Jessica is 30-year-old. She is an immigrant from Mexico City. She lives with her husband in the
United States. They have been living here for the last three years. Both of them have
continuously been working hard to save money and move out of their Aunt Maria’s place to their
own apartment. Both of them have worked every hard to achieve this dream. They have been
planning to have their own home since a very long time. Marco has been working in
construction, although contracting-side job whereas Jessica works at a local restaurant, 50 hours
a week. Jessica got to know that she was pregnant, six months before shifting to the new
apartment.
After four months, Marco and Jessica go to the country hospital which is basically a public and
very large, non-teaching hospital. A possible abnormity is indicated in the fetus while the
preliminary ultrasound is performed. The fetus has not developed any arms, which is a very rare
condition and it will not develop them according to the further scans and reports. This can even
lead to complications in the pregnancy. According to the scans and reports, there is a 25%
chance that the fetus might be suffering from Down syndrome.
Jessica and Marco were not given any kind of prenatal care regarding the finances and related
concerns and therefore, Jessica is meeting the primary attending physician, Dr. Wilson for the
very first time. Marco has asked the primary attending physician not to reveal the scan results in
front of Jessica and has assured that he will tell the news only when Jessica is emotionally ready.
He is convinced that Jessica will not be able to take this news and would be broken after
knowing about the scan results. Dr. Wilson and Marco are discussing this in a room, when Aunt
Maria enters into the same room, looking very distressed. She realizes that something is wrong
and asks the same to Marco and Dr. Wilson. When she hears about the scan reports and the
diagnosis, she starts praying aloud and then walks out of the room.
Dr. Wilson and Marco do not stop her and discuss the same issue. Marco is recommended by Dr.
Wilson that Dr. Wilson is Jessica’s doctor and he is obligated to tell her the result of the
diagnosis. He also discusses all the related relevant options and factors that might be considered
for the next step, which also include the option of aborting the child. But Marco wants to take
some time as he is thinking of ways to break the news to his wife. However, Dr. Wilson is not
liking the idea and is frustrated with the how the conversation was going, therefore he informs
Marco that it is the choice of the doctor. Mr. Wilson wants Jessica to take the decision and not be
influenced. Further, he wants her to know the discussion as soon as possible so as to give her
time to make a decision. Saying this, Mr. Wilson goes back to hall where he sees Aunt Maria on
the phone with priest and also awkwardly praying with Jessica. Dr. Wilson goes near Jessica and
tells her the report of the diagnosis along with providing her with the list of options which also
includes abortion as one of the medical alternative so as to inform her about the quality of life of
children with Down syndrome. Jessica struggles and tries to hold back her tears. She finds it hard
to accept the truth.
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Now, Jessica is juxtaposed between the increase independence and dreams of having a better
socioeconomic position. This also includes her conviction that life of any sort is sacred and it is
her child after all. On the other hand, Marco is very disturbed at the thought of raising a disable
child, considering it to be barrier towards their economic plan and security. Although Marco is
convinced that he will support Jessica with whatever decision she finally makes. Both of them
are guided by Dr. Wilson and are made aware of the various options and he clearly suggest
abortion to be the best option and states that it is medically as well as scientifically wise to abort
the child in this situation. However, both of them are told by Aunt Maria to go reconsider and tell
her to bear the child and through the pregnancy to allow what has been intended by the God and
also asks Jessica to think as a mother.