Grand Canyon University: Fetal Abnormality Case Study Analysis

This case study analyzes the moral status of a fetus in light of a fetal abnormality, examining the perspectives and ethical theories employed by Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson. Jessica is guided by virtue ethics, Marco by ethics of care, Maria by pro-life beliefs rooted in the Bible, and Dr. Wilson by a moral theory emphasizing quality of life. The analysis considers how these theories influence their recommendations, ultimately advocating for personal choice theory, which prioritizes the mother's autonomy in deciding the fate of the fetus. The study concludes that while diverse opinions exist on abortion, personal choice is the most ethical option, and that Desklib provides access to a wealth of study resources.

Running head: FETAL ABNORMALITY
Fetal Abnormality
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

FETAL ABNORMALITY
Introduction
Due to the significance of life, a lot of debates have arisen with respect to the
issue of abortion or the end of human life (Megan Best, 2018). This essay tries to
understand the different theories and Biblical connotations attached to this issue of
giving birth and undertaking abortion. In this respect, the essay makes use of a case
study who are faced with the ethical and legal dilemma of undergoing an abortion.
Identification of Theories used by those involved
Jessica’s Theory
Jessica was the mother and hence, the decision to end the life of her child was
quite difficult. However, she knew that if the child was born, it would have to live a
difficult life. Furthermore, the socioeconomic position of the parents was also not
good. Thus, the theory which guided her was that of virtue ethics (Slack, 2017). She
had respect for all human life and did not want to abort the fetus.
Marco’s Theory
The birth of human beings has always been considered one of the greatest
miracles of life. Apart from the mystical and religious connotations, it is also a
scientific marvel that a female is able to bring another life form on Earth. However,
Marco was concerned about the mental health of Jessica. He wanted to support Jessica
in whatever she wanted to do. The theory which guided his actions was the theory of
ethics since he wanted the good life for Jessica (Foster, 2004).
Maria’s Theory
Maria believed in the sacredness of all life on Earth (Oderberg, 2008). When she

2FETAL ABNORMALITY
heard from Dr. Wilson that the baby of Jessica might not be able to survive due to a
host of complexities, she was sacred for the life of the said baby. Maria wanted
Jessica to keep the baby. This is apparent from her call to the priest and praying for
his help.
Thus, Maria is observed to be a close and ardent follower of the teachings laid
down in the Bible. The Bible is seen to be aligned to the theory of pro-life. According
to the Pro-Life Theory, every individual have the right to survive in this world and be
given an opportunity to exist (Lee, 2004). The fetus is seen to a living being and
therefore, abortion is strictly prohibited by the Bible. The killing of a fetus through the
means of abortion is similar to a murder situation. Therefore, it can be observed that
the Bible is strictly against the issue of abortion.
Dr. Wilson’s Theory
Dr. Wilson was a responsible doctor. When he got to know about the predicament
that Jessica was in, he was adamant to follow through his obligation as a doctor. As a
result when Marco wanted Dr. Wilson to hide the information about the fetal
abnormality that Jessica was facing from his wife. Dr. Wilson was adamant that
Jessica be told the truth.
The theory that is seen to be applicable for Dr. Wilson is the theory of moral
theory of human survival. According to the bodily rights argument as advocated by
Judith Jarvis Thompson, it is observed that there is a moral obligation to terminate the
fetus which is unable to survive (Lee, 2015). Thus, according to Dr. Wilson, in this
scenario, the termination of the fetus was justified as he believed that the fetus would
not be able to enjoy a good quality of life which is the basic need of every individual.

3FETAL ABNORMALITY
Theoretical Influence on their own recommendation of action
For Jessica and Marco, the making of the choice was quite difficult. They did not
have any theories as such which guided them but rather, they though in terms of being
a parent. Thus, the only recommendation that can be provided for their situation is to
think in a logical manner.
Maria believed in the pro-life theory. She thought for the future of the fetus.
However, she failed to understand the emotional trauma Jessica would have to go
through in case the child was born. As a consequence, it is recommended that she
takes a more practical approach to the issue at hand rather than a religious one.
Dr. Wilson focused on the rights of his patient. However, it is recommended that
he should be more humane in his approach and think about the difficult choice Jessica
is in as a mother.
Personal Choice Theory
This theory states that it depends on the woman and her body to decide if she is
capable of giving full life support functions to the fetus and her right of control over
her own body. Thus, the right of the mother is dominant over the fetus’s right to life
and survival (Mitchell, 2014). Being a mother and the rightful patient, Jessica had the
right to know and the right to decide on the future course of action. As a result,
Jessica had the right to choose as it was her body which held the fetus.
Conclusion
To conclude it can be observed that every body had their own set of opinions
which guided their behavior and thought process. Abortion is an ethical issue of high
significance. There is no one theory which is right or morally sound. It depends on the
situation the person is in which justifies the use of abortion. As a result, it can be said

4FETAL ABNORMALITY
that personal choice theory is the most ethical option to take in the case of abortion.

5FETAL ABNORMALITY
References:
Foster, S. M. (2004). The feminist case against abortion. The American
Feminist, 11(2-3), 28-33.
Lee, P. (2004). A Christian philosopher’s view of recent directions in the abortion
debate. Christian Bioethics, 10(1), 7-31.
Lee, P. (2015). Moral status and the margins of human life. The American Journal of
Jurisprudence, 60(1), 105-120.
Megan Best, M. D. (2018). The dilemma of prenatal screening. Ethics &
Medicine, 34(2), 113-67.
Mitchell, C. B. (2014). Human Dignity: A First Principle. Ethics & Medicine, 30(3),
133.
Oderberg, D. S. (2008). The metaphysical status of the embryo: Some arguments
revisited. Journal of Applied Philosophy, 25(4), 263-276.
Slack, J. D. (2017). Abortion, execution, and the consequences of taking life.
Routledge.