Case Study: Fetal Abnormality - Ethical Analysis and Decision Making

This case study examines a complex ethical dilemma involving a 30-year-old immigrant, Jessica, and her husband, Marco, who are faced with a fetal abnormality diagnosis. The fetus has a rare condition with no arms and a potential for Down syndrome. The case explores the conflicting viewpoints of the individuals involved: Jessica, Marco, Aunt Maria, and Dr. Wilson, the attending physician. Maria, with her religious beliefs, opposes abortion, viewing the fetus as sacred. Dr. Wilson, prioritizing patient autonomy and beneficence, focuses on providing Jessica with all the necessary information to make an informed decision. Marco, influenced by economic concerns, initially wants to hide the results from Jessica. The analysis delves into different ethical theories, including the moral status of the fetus, beneficence, and patient autonomy, to understand the motivations and actions of each character. The author's standpoint is based on prioritizing patient autonomy, recommending that Jessica be provided with comprehensive information about the fetus's condition and the implications of her choices. The case study highlights the significance of ethical decision-making in healthcare, especially in challenging situations involving prenatal diagnoses, different moral viewpoints, and the critical need to support patients in making informed choices.

Running Head: CASE STUDY: FETAL ABNORMALITY
CASE STUDY: FETAL ABNORMALITY
Name of the student
Name of the University
Author Note

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CASE STUDY: FETAL ABNORMALITY
Prominent Christian theologians believe that humans are the creation of God and
hence hold the opinions regarding the moral standing of humans in any lifeform based on this
worldview. The Christian worldview claims that human beings are capable of having a
physical and spiritual relationship with God. From this perspective, it is believed that human
beings are intrinsically valued and worthy of dignity and esteem as they are created as the
"image of God".
Actions and behaviour of all the people involved in the given case scenario are largely
influenced by their perception of the moral status of the fetus that regulates their approach
regarding the occurrence of the abortion or discarding its idea entirely. An example from the
case study can shed light on this. It can be observed that Maria views the situation from a
biblical standpoint that suggests that human beings are made in the "image of God" and the
idea of a human embryo is based on that; hence they must not be destroyed. This indicates
that her position is strengthened by the moral status theory that emphasizes that any verdict
regarding the existence of this moral status of the fetus is beyond the reach of the supervisory
prerogative of humans. Based on this philosophy, devaluation of human life (if the fetus is
presumed to be a future human) is equivalent to the dejection of God's integrity. Maria's
recommendation to not go ahead with the abortion is explained by this approach of describing
the moral status of the fetus. Furthermore, her statement directed to Jessica to consider her
"responsibility as a mother" similarly includes the insinuations for the pious values used for
analyzing Jessica's situation, which contains a concealed warning indicating that sin is about
to be committed by performing the abortion.
Dr Wilson is the person who is involved in this situation as the primary medical carer
for the pregnancy. From this perspective, it should be elucidated that the doctor does not take
any accountability or inclination towards defining the moral status of the fetus. Rather he
focuses on Jessica as his patient without being influenced by any other preconceived notion.

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CASE STUDY: FETAL ABNORMALITY
It is evident from his actions that he is governed by ethical ideologies that consider the
priority of the patient, in terms of the patient's beneficence and her autonomy to decide.
Theory of beneficence suggests that the doctor should prioritize the patient's clinical benefits
more than the clinical harms. In contrast, the latter highlights the consideration that patient's
perspective is paramount in regards to their health-related interests and other ideologies. The
obedience of these two principles describes the doctor's action while conversing with Marco.
As a result, he asserts that Jessica should be straightaway told about the pregnancy diagnosis
along with providing all available information so that she can consider all the viable options
and then take a sensible, and cautious decision.
Nevertheless, since Dr Wilson declares that "a wise choice in this situation" is
abortion, it can be assumed that to consider the matter of the moral status of the fetus, he
follows liberalism which proposes that the moral status of the fetus should be decribed based
on specific circumstances. He also displays an affirmatory response to the fact that an
abortion can be acceptable if the reasons are justified and sufficient for it. However, it is not
completely understandable if the doctor acknowledges or discards the moral status of the
fetus. His sanctioning of the abortion could be supported by his observance of the moral
opinion of beneficence, where he can recognize the moral status of the fetus and rely on the
advantages for the unborn fetus if aborted, by anticipating the forthcoming quality of life. In
contrast, his recommendation of letting Jessica decide about the abortion on her right
suggests his obedience to the liberal theory, where he does not accept any moral status of the
fetus and supports whatever decision Jessica takes, according to the given conditions.
Lastly, the chief decision-takers in this setting, Marco and Jessica, do not appear to be
taking into account the circumstance from the moral standpoint of the fetus. All through the
case scenario, there are no indications that reveal both of their compliance with any theory
that approaches the moral status of the fetus. Marco seems to adhere to hedonistic approach

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CASE STUDY: FETAL ABNORMALITY
of decision-making that prioritizes the selection of the maximal beneficial option for an
individual, which enlightens his envisioning the pregnancy as "a burden and a barrier to their
economic security and plans". On the other hand, Jessica seems to be stuck between two
viewpoints: Maria's religious theory that highlights the nature of life as sacred and the
hedonistic theory advocated by Marco that puts focus on individual prosperity and wellbeing.
Even though Marco states that he will support whichever decision is taken by Jessica, it can
be assumed that he is more inclined towards the option of abortion. Therefore, Maria's
impending actions will be determined by the perspective of theories that she finds better
suited for her situation.
My standpoint regarding the case study situation is based on the theory, which
prioritizes the patient's autonomy as the foremost principle. This position of mine would
recommend providing Jessica with every necessary information relevant for the present state
of the fetus, possibilities that are predicted to arise regarding the baby's expected quality of
life in case she proceeds with the pregnancy, and detailed information related to the
implications of the pregnancy if not aborted.

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CASE STUDY: FETAL ABNORMALITY
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