Moral Status
Question 1
Christianity is based on the belief that human life is sacred and that no one should find a reason to take away life. The fact that human beings were created according to the image of God gives them a specialty among all the other creatures (Shelly & Miller, 2009). Generally, Christian holds three biblical concepts that explain the nature of the human person right from conception. The three concepts are the fact that human beings are created in the image of God; human beings are living beings with the breath of God and that human beings are covenantal beings. Therefore, the human race is obliged to respect each other and extend love to everyone as they would do to God. Embryos and fetuses are also referred to as human beings and should receive love like other human beings since they are developed according to the three Christian concepts surrounding human life. Moreover, the Christian perspective supports the theory of human properties.
The moral theory, according to human properties, goes in line with the Christian perspective on human life. Every human being has moral status and should be treated with love and respect. The Christian perspective recognizes embryos and fetuses as human beings with complete moral status. Generally, the embryo is a living being and therefore contains the breath of God that should not be taken by anyone irrespective of the reason that might be given.
Question 2
The virtue of being a human being gives one a value that is referred to as intrinsic value. Intrinsic value is developed as an attribute, and human beings cannot create or design intrinsic value. The Christian perspective concerning the human person is related to the intrinsic value in that moral status is measure by the attributes that make one be referred to as a human being. Human beings in Christianity are not given the ability to create other human beings, and everyone has the breath of God. Generally, the creation of human beings in God’s likeness gives them value and makes their life sacred (Stahl & Kilner, 2017). When God created the first human being, He breathed life into his nostrils and made them living beings. If the breath of God is taken away from the body, the person perishes. Since God put His breath into the person’s body, He is the only one who should take life away when the time comes. The value that God’s breath gives human life takes away any authority of a human being over life. Therefore, a human being has no power in their life or even the lives of others. The Christian perspective and the theory of human attributes recognize the intrinsic value and dignity of human life.
Question 3
The implementation of moral theories is done differently by different people. The relationship between people and the circumstances surrounding the situation may play a crucial role in determining the response of people’s morality (Agich, 2007). Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson apply different theories in the decisions that they are willing to make. Marco and Jessica are married and make decisions that are best for each other and therefore agree to similar theories of moral status. Maria, on the other hand, is determined to stand for the Christian perspective and does not buy any idea that involves terminating life. The doctor is behaving professionally and is willing to make the decision that will have the least negative impact on the lives of his patient. Maria chooses theories based on human properties and moral agency. Generally, Maria knows that the embryo has human properties, and abortion is against the rights of the child. Also, Maria believes that abortion is wrong, and that should be chosen as an option. Jessica, Marco, and the Doctor, however, behave according to the theories based on relationship and cognitive properties. The embryo is believed to have not developed into a complete human being, and that abortion will save it from potential suffering.
Question 4
The reactions of the individuals towards the news of the abnormal fetus lead to the conclusions on the theories that they are following (Engelhardt, 2007). Maria feels a sense of responsibility to uphold what is morally upright. In the case of the abnormal agent, Maria takes the position of a moral agent and challenges the decision of the doctor. Also, the theory based on human attributes comes in where Maria acknowledges that the fetus is a human being and has been chosen by God. Jessica is sad on hearing the news and the relationship between her and the fetus affects the way she responds to the news. The theory can explain the reaction based on relationships. Also, Marco is willing to accept any decision as long as it is the best for Jessica; hence he acts according to the theory based on relationship. The doctor, on the other hand, is governed by the theory based on cognitive properties and believes that the fetus is yet to develop feelings and thinking capacity.
Question 5
The theories of moral status have an impact on the decisions that individuals make when faced with a dilemma (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013). Dr. Wilson feels obliged to relate to his patient irrespective of the intervention by other people. When Marco attempts to convince Dr. Wilson to keep the news from Jessica, Dr. Wilson decides to ignore the advice by Marco and breaks the news to Jessica. Also, the doctor offers abortion as an option because he is guided by the theory based on cognitive attributes. Maria, on the other hand, convinces Jessica to let the pregnancy grow and allow God to complete His work. The decision by Maria to not support abortion is impacted by the theory of human properties and moral agency. Marco and Jessica do not have a firm decision because the theory based on the relationship is affecting their decision-making ability. Therefore, the decisions made by the individuals were affected by the theories that were aligned with their beliefs.
Question 6
I agree with the theory of moral agency because it extends the respect for human life even to people who cannot take care of their lives. The fact that human life is sacred places it above any other reason that could lead to its loss (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). The theory based on moral agency gives human beings the responsibility to take care of both their lives and the lives of other people. For example, the fetus in the case is unable to take care of its life. The doctor, parents, and Maria should be the agents who realize that the fetus should be allowed to live. Generally, the theory based on moral agency makes the world a better place because it eliminates the notion that some people are better than others.
References
Agich, G. J. (2007). Reflections on the function of dignity in the context of caring for old people. The Journal of medicine and philosophy, 32(5), 483-494.
Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. 7. Aufl New York.
Engelhardt Jr, H. T. (2007). Long-term care: The family, post-modernity, and conflicting moral life-worlds. The Journal of medicine and philosophy, 32(5), 519-536.
Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2009). Called to care: A Christian worldview for nursing. InterVarsity Press.
Stahl, D., & Kilner, J. F. (2017). The Image of God, Bioethics, and Persons with Profound Intellectual Disabilities. Journal of the Christian Institute on Disability, 6(1-2), 19-40.
US Department of Health and Human Services. (2013). National commission for the protection of human subjects of biomedical and behavioral research.(1979). The Belmont report: Ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects of research, 45.