Case Study: Moral Status of Fetal Abnormality - Course ID [Intro]

This research paper delves into the moral and ethical complexities surrounding the moral status of abortion, using a case study involving four individuals with differing perspectives: Jessica, who is pregnant; Marco, concerned about the baby's health and financial implications; a doctor; and Maria. T...Read More

NAME OF THE STUDENT
NAME OF THE COLLEGE
FETAL ABNORMILITY- MORAL STATUS
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
SUBMISSION DATE-
COURSE ID-

INTRODUCTION
The following research paper discusses the moral and ethical considerations that have
to be taken while accessing the moral status of abortion. The following case study that has
been taken into consideration has a group of 4 people with different views on handling a
pregnancy and its implications. Jessica, the one who is pregnant has a view to terminate the
pregnancy as foetus has a life and she is bound by the motherly instinct. Whereas, Marco is
worried about the doctor’s prediction of baby being unfit and the financial conditions of
handling a baby. The doctor agrees with Marco’s point of view, but does not accept it
because of the financial situations of the family. The following paper analyses the theories of
moral status in the case foetal abnormality and contrasts with the thoughts of the following
characters.
QUESTION 1-
The natural theory of human person according to Christian views is that the human
life holds a scared status in the bible and human dignity remains the sole purpose of moral
base of a society. This states that, human life is precious according to the Christian views and
dignity of an individual makes as the greatest value for humans and individual dignity creates
a social value altogether. Here, theory of human dignity is compared to the Christian view of
human life. It places dignity of an individual being as the highest moral status that can be
given to them. It relates to the fact that how people should treat human beings and each of
them are entitled to a certain amount of respect and this serves as their right to be as a human
being. Moral status consists of rights which carry a high rate of respect and inviolability.
Intrinsic human value carries dignity as the highest moral status attained as a human being.
This theory also suggests that human dignity is the main agenda of being a moral human
being. This theory is similar to the Christian idea of nature of human person too.
QUESTION 2-
Jessica holds the moral theory based on the relationships and considers that as a
mother. She does not have the courage to terminate her pregnancy even if the foetus is not
properly formed. This depicts her motherly instinct towards the foetus present in the stomach.
Theory of moral judgement based on relationship is being discussed here.
Marco thinks about the burden the child might bring in the lives of people with the
disability and hence proves his point through the development of consciousness in foetus

after 28 weeks. As per Marco, the foetus was less than 28 weeks and hence, the various moral
theories like, the theories of sentience, consciousness and moral status does not apply to it
yet. Maria is also against the termination of foetus as she suggests that the decision is to be
held by Jessica based on her relationship as a mother and carrier of the foetus. She is in
favour of the moral status based on relationships. Dr. Wilson holds that foetus lacks a moral
status, but it is not based on the financial theory but because of the quality of life the child
might have to spend.
According to me, the case study suggests that moral status is a necessity for a human
life and everything that has life and has breathed has the right to life and must be respected. It
must be kept with full dignity to acknowledge morality. In this case, the dignity and right to
live lies with the foetus.
QUESTION 3-
Jessica’s decision of saving the foetus and giving birth to the child even after being an
independent and ambitious girl in her personal life determines that she respects the theory of
dignity and behaviour with a living being. And also, Maria stands with Jessica on the theory
of giving moral status on the basis of maternal relationship.
Whereas, Marco is to be influenced with the fact that a living cell is also entitled to
some dignity and respect and any other human is not allowed to take away its right to live and
hence, the idea of abortion must be dropped. Dr. Wilson is to be guided by the religious side
of a situation and act according to the philosophical view, leaving the scientific side.
QUESTION 4-
I agree with theory of dignity being the highest moral status given to human being as
dignity contains a right for a person to live and to carry his/her life on their terms. I think its
right because humans are living beings and every other thing which breathes and lives on its
own has a right to maintain dignity and respect. And that respect lies in allowing a living
being to live. It recommends the action of not terminating the foetus based on an assumption
of disability as it is a gift of god and must be accepted and respected.
CONCLUSION
As per the questions and answers that are discussed in the following research paper, it
is learned that morality lies in the dignity of an individual and each living organism has a

right to live and this right cannot be taken away from it, disrespecting its dignity. The
confusion stage of the four people in the case study are taken in account with e morality and
extracts that the foetus in Jessica’s womb has a right to live and should not be terminated
because of the decisions made by external world.

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