Case Study Analysis: Moral Status of Fetus and Fetal Abnormality

This assignment presents an analysis of a case study concerning fetal abnormality, focusing on the differing perspectives of Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson regarding the moral status of the fetus and the decision to abort. The assignment identifies the application of cognitive properties, relationship theory, and divine command theory in shaping the individuals' recommendations. Jessica's concerns are rooted in financial constraints and religious beliefs, while Maria emphasizes religious obligations. Dr. Wilson advocates for abortion based on the fetus's lack of moral status and potential future complications. The author supports the divine command theory and, as a healthcare professional, recommends abortion to mitigate risks to both mother and potential child, emphasizing medical and scientific justification for the action. The analysis concludes by reiterating the medical and financial benefits of terminating the pregnancy.

Running head: ANALYSIS OF CASE STUDY 1
Analysis of Case Study
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

ANALYSIS OF CASE STUDY 2
Introduction
In the case study of fetal abnormality, four different members have different feelings
about aborting a fetus. They are as highlighted below. Its Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson.
Jessica is pregnant, and the fetus does not have arms, and there is a lower chances of developing.
Accordingly, Marco is Jessica's husband who always supports Jessica's decisions. Maria happens
to be the religious aunt who would not like to violate God's will by aborting an unborn baby.
Lastly, there is Dr. Wilson who is after aborting the fetus believing that next time Jessica can
give birth to a healthy child. In that case, all the individuals pose various theories in determining
the moral status of the unborn (Greiner & Conklin, 2015).
Which theory or theories are being used by Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson to
determine the moral status of the fetus? Explain
Based on case study, the theory of cognitive properties seems to be in use by Jessica,
Marco, Maria, and Wilson. As an illustration, the theory states that to have the moral status, one
should be in a position to demonstrate the level of awareness along with rationality and hence
fetus doesn't hold moral status in the opinion of Dr. Wilson (Paladini & Volpe, 2014). This is
because he seemed to be in favor of abortion of the fetus after assuring the other three
individuals with all the valuable information along with options. However, Maria requesting
Jessica to re-think about the decision together with the obligations a mother has to the unborn
child. Furthermore, she emphasizes how God is after this. In that case, Maria point of view
seems to come from the theory of relationship.
Based on the above, the relation that is available gives the fetus moral status where
abortion could be considered to be a wrong decision. Moreover, the divine command theory can

ANALYSIS OF CASE STUDY 3
also be applied. This is so since there is an internal conflict within Jessica about the economic
obligations (Sumner, 2014).
How does the theory determine or influence each of their recommendation for action?
Jessica is so concerned because of the financial situation that prevailing along with the
religious beliefs that do not support abortion. She is the moral agent since she makes the best
decisions for the family which is as per the moral agency theory. The relation theory is also
applied in this situation since it forms the foundation of life. The Maria’s was that Jessica should
do away with abortion as per the religious beliefs to let the will of God be done. On the other
hand, Marco theory was that what Jessica feels is right for the good of the child. Lastly. Dr.
Wilson theory recommends that the family will get into a significant burden by keeping the baby
and hence clears explains that it’s allowed to abort as the fetus lacks moral status which is
rationality and (Shea, 2018).
What theory do you agree with? How would that theory determine or influence the
recommendation for action?
Am not specific with the kind of theory that I agree with or not. Conversely, in such a
situation I would support divine command theory is I have believed in freedom and liberty.
Accordingly, as a health care professional, I would recommend for an action (Simpson, Piazza &
Rios, 2016). San illustration, the only best solution is abortion since if the mother proceeds with
pregnancy and give birth to a child, they might both be in danger. However, if the pregnancy is
terminated, there will be fewer risks, and later on, the mother can give birth to a healthy baby
with zero risks. Furthermore, I would argue that if the unborn baby with abnormalities is aborted,
it is medically and scientifically allowed (Kilner, 2015).

ANALYSIS OF CASE STUDY 4
The doctors’ theory used by Jessica would, therefore, mean that Jessica aborted the fetus
before the situations worsen. Furthermore, it would save them financially since the child could
require special attention which they would not have afforded.

ANALYSIS OF CASE STUDY 5
References
Greiner, A. L., & Conklin, J. (2015). Breaking bad news to a pregnant woman with a fetal
abnormality on ultrasound. Obstetrical & gynecological survey, 70(1), 39-44.
Kilner, J. F. (2015). Dignity and destiny: Humanity in the image of God. Wm. B. Eerdmans
Publishing.
Paladini, D., & Volpe, P. (2014). Ultrasound of congenital fetal anomalies: differential
diagnosis and prognostic indicators. CRC Press.
Shea, M. (2018, March). Human Nature and Moral Status in Bioethics. In The Journal of
Medicine and Philosophy: A Forum for Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine (Vol. 43,
No. 2, pp. 115-131). US: Oxford University Press.
Simpson, A., Piazza, J., & Rios, K. (2016). Belief in divine moral authority: Validation of a
shortened scale with implications for social attitudes and moral cognition. Personality
and Individual Differences, 94, 256-265.
Sumner, L. W. (2014). Abortion and moral theory (Vol. 285). Princeton University Press.