Theories of Moral Status
The Christian understanding of human nature is derived from the Bible and Christian teachings and discoveries over the years. The very first definition is seen during creation where human beings are said to be created in the image and likeness of God. Human beings are also given dominion over the rest of creation and invited to be co-creators with God. The fall of human beings after Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit changes human beings drastically giving them the knowledge of good and evil but still retains part of their original nature. From the fall, newborn children are already inclined to sin despite their innocence (Warner, 2020). However, human beings are still capable of love and strive to live according to God’s desire hence they are still worthy to God. The Christian view of the human person aligns with the theory of moral status based on human properties. By emphasizing the superiority of human beings over the rest of creation, Christians imply that only people have full moral status. Here, vulnerable human beings are protected, for example, the disabled and human embryos.
In ‘Case Study: Fetal Abnormality’, Jessica and her husband Marco are expecting a baby who Dr. Wilson has diagnosed with possible abnormality (Grand Canyon University, 2020). Jessica has to decide whether or not to abort the baby and considers the input from her doctor and aunt, Maria. Each of them applies one of the five theories of moral status. These theories are based on human properties, cognitive properties, moral agency, sentient properties, and relationship properties.
Aunt Maria holds the relationship theory in advising Jessica to keep the baby. On hearing the results, Maria is emotional and wails out loudly. Later she prays with Jessica, phones the priest, and asks Jessica not to abort but to proceed with what ‘God intends.’ Here, Maria is asking Jessica to consider her relationship with God where she is obligated to live according to God’s desire and to accomplish His plan for her life. The baby is part of God’s plan in Jessica and Marco’s life. Maria also explores the relationship between Jessica and the baby by asking her to think of her ‘responsibility as a mother.’
Second, Dr. Wilson uses the relationship and cognitive theory in discussing the options with Jessica. He takes his responsibility as a doctor seriously and respects the doctor-patient relationship that requires him to be honest with Jessica. He, therefore, honestly explains to Jessica the condition of the fetus, the possibility of disability and Down syndrome, and the option for abortion. As a doctor, he is in a position to suggest the best possible option by considering the status of the patients. Cognitively, Dr. Wilson explains the Jessica that, if born, the baby will not live a quality life since some of their cognitive properties will be limited. He also relies on science to suggest a ‘medically wise’ choice to Jessica.
Third, Marco’s thinking is in line with relationship and sentient properties. Initially, he wants to be the one to break the news to his wife. He feels that his wife is not emotionally ready for such news yet and that the doctor should wait before telling her. After Jessica is told about the possibility of her unborn child being disables, Marco leaves her to make the decision and is ready to support his wife’s decision. He, however, considers the effect that having the baby will have on their financial plans considering they were planning to move out of Aunt Maria’s house and start their independent lives.
Jessica uses the theories of human and cognitive properties in trying to make sense of the situation. She understands that carrying on with the pregnancy and having a disabled baby will be challenging and will dim her hopes of a ‘better socioeconomic situation and increased independence.’ This is because the process will require a lot of emotional, financial, and physical resources that may be a problem for Marco and Jessica. On the other hand, she believes that all life is sacred, born or unborn, and is at a loss on whether to proceed with an abortion. The latter position is in line with the human properties theory that demands the protection of vulnerable human beings including unborn babies.
I agree with the sentient and relationship theories in such a situation. As the mother of the fetus, Jessica should consider the quality of life the child would live. A mother wants the best for their children. A child with a disability and possible Down syndrome will not be able to lead a quality life and will experience a lot of pain and suffering. Also, taking care of the child may take a toll on the patents making them unable to offer quality care to the child. Therefore, I think it is in the best interest of Jessica and her baby that she goes through with the medically advised abortion.
References
Grand Canyon University. (2020). Case Study: Fetal Abnormality.
Warner, J. (2020). What Does Christianity Say About the Nature of Humans? Five Honest Realities. Cold-Case Christianity.