University Nursing Essay: Moral Status of Fetus in Fetal Abnormality

This nursing essay examines the ethical complexities surrounding the moral status of a fetus in cases of fetal abnormality, using a case study involving a 30-year-old pregnant woman, Jessica, whose ultrasound reveals potential Down syndrome in the fetus. The essay analyzes the perspectives of Jessica, her husband Marco, her wife Maria, and Dr. Wilson, each holding different views on the fetus's moral status and the appropriate course of action. Jessica grapples with the belief that all life is sacred, while also considering socioeconomic factors. Dr. Wilson advocates for abortion based on the fetus's potential for Down syndrome, while Marco and Aunt Maria adhere to the belief that all humans have moral status. The essay explores how these varying theories influence recommendations for action, including the impact of each theory on the recommendation for action. The author concludes that, while acknowledging the fetus's right to life, the decision to continue or terminate a pregnancy should ultimately rest with the mother due to the significant impact on her life.

Running head: NURSING
Nursing
Name of the student:
Name of the University:
Author’s note

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Introduction:
In case of complicate pregnancies and need for abortion, the moral status of the fetus is a
highly controversial topic as different opinion exists regarding the ethics of going for an abortion
or continuing with a pregnancy. If the fetus is identified as a person, then they have the right to
life and the decision for abortion is unjustified. However, public opinion on abortion fall under
three domains known as conservative, liberal and moderate. The ethical considerations and
thinking for each of them varies (Watson, 2016). This paper gives an insight into the
complexities associated with the decision on the moral status of the fetus using the case study of
‘fetal abnormality’ and analyze the theories used by each person to determine the moral status of
the fetus. The paper will establish links between the theory and the recommendation used for
action.
Identification of theories used by person in the case study:
In the case study of ‘fetal abnormality’, it has been found that Jessica, a 30 year old
woman who has been found to be pregnant. However, her initial ultrasound shows abnormality
with the fetus and the risk that the fetus may develop Down’s syndrome. Other persons in the
case study include Jessica’s husband, Marco, her wife Maria, and Dr. Wilson. Each individual in
the case study have different approach towards the moral status of fetus and the action that
Jessica should taken further regarding her pregnancy. In case of Jessica, the theory that she is
found to be using to identify the moral status of the fetus includes ‘All living organisms have
moral status’. Although Jessica was broke down after the hearing the news of the complicated
pregnancy from Dr. Wilson, however she has the belief that all life is sacred. This conviction
denotes that despite complications, she is not willing to go for abortion. However, her decision is

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challenged by her hope regarding strong financial position and independence. Her perspective is
related to the liberal group of people who believed that if killing animal is permissible, so is
abortion throughout pregnancy, Hence, during early gestation, even if the fetus is not sentient,
the decision to go for abortion rest on the women. For liberalist, the decision to continue
pregnancy depends on the amount of sacrifice or burden it imposes on the woman (Martin,
2018). Jessica is following this perspective too evidence by her concern regarding better
socioeconomic position and increase independence in the future.
The review of Dr. Wilson’s perspective suggests that he follows the theory that ‘Only
sentient animals have moral status’. This theory implies that fetus should be allowed to live only
when they are sentient with advancing gestation. According to Dr. Wilson, he favours going for
abortion because of 25% chance that the fetus is going to develop Down syndrome in late
gestation. He also believes the pregnant women have the right to decide what happens to their
body and the fetus. His perspective on moral status of abortion is understood from his opinion
that abortion is a wise decision considering its implication on the mother and the child in the
future (Sifris & Belton, 2017). Hence, Dr. Wilson used the theory to promote Jessica’s right to
heath and right to equality.
After hearing about Jessica’s pregnancy complication, Marco was of the opinion that her
wife should not be told about it. However, his opinion of not viewing the pregnancy suggests that
he supports the theory that all humans have moral status and that the fetus should be given the
right to live. However, viewing a disabled child makes him pessimistic about Jessica’s
pregnancy. His perception is similar to the Catholic doctrine which believes that conception is
the beginning of the life of a human being (Neaves, 2017). Hence, based on the ground that fetus
is human being, Marco’s approach is that abortion may be wrong as it would means killing a

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human being. Jessica’s aunt Maria’s decision to take the next course of action is also influenced
by the ‘Only humans have moral status’ theory. This is because this theory goes against abortion
and believes that abortion is an ethically wrong act as it kills a human being which is the fetus.
For this reason, Aunt Maria pleads Jessica to follow through with the pregnancy.
Theoretical influence on recommendation for action:
In the case study, all the persons use different theories to determine the moral status for
fetus. These theories have determined their decision for actions too. For example, Jessica’s
husband Marco and her aunt Maria believe in the theory that ‘only humans have moral status’.
This implies that fetus assumes the status of human beings and for this reason, they have the
right to live as killing fetus would mean killing a human being (Taneja et al., 2018). Because of
this perspective, Marco is still viewing the possibility of a pregnancy and Aunt Maria is
requesting Jessica to forbid abortion and leave the child’s health to God’s will. Dr. Wilson’s
recommendation for action is influenced by the theory that ‘only sentient animals have moral
status’. This means abortion is wrong only when fetus becomes sentient. For this reason, Dr.
Wilson believes going for abortion is best option as the fetus is not yet sentient. In addition,
influenced by the theory that all living organisms have moral status, Jessica is in doubt regarding
continuing with pregnancy and coping with the consequences of poor economic security because
of a disabled child.
Personal choice of theory:
Personally, I agree with the approach that all living organisms have moral status. I
favour this theory because I believe that a fetus irrespective of the gestation stage is a living
entity. Hence, they have the right to live. However, as mother’s autonomy and the effect of

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pregnancy on her life cannot be ignores, my recommendation is that the decision to go for
abortion or manage a child with disability should rest with the mother.
Conclusion:
To conclude, it can be said that fetus should be viewed as human being, who has the right
to live. However, as pregnancy has major impact on pregnant women’s body and their lives post
pregnancy, the decision to go for abortion or continue with pregnancy should be on mothers like
Jessica. Her judgment would be the best to avoid any ethical dilemma.

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References:
Martin, T. (2018). Interests in abortion: a new perspective on foetal potential and the abortion
debate. Routledge.
Neaves, W. (2017). The status of the human embryo in various religions. Development, 144(14),
2541-2543.
Sifris, R., & Belton, S. (2017). Australia: Abortion and Human Rights. Health and human
rights, 19(1), 209.
Taneja, A., Nagaraja, S. B., Padubidri, J. R., Madadin, M., & Menezes, R. G. (2018). Abortion of
Fetus with Down’s Syndrome: India Joins the Worldwide Controversy Surrounding
Abortion Laws. Science and engineering ethics, 24(2), 769-771.
Watson, J. K. (2016). Prenatal Adoption as an Alternative to Abortion: Legal and Ethical
Challenges. Ave Maria Int'l LJ, 5, 96.