Introduction
The concept of moral status is a topic that is highly debated by scientists of various branches. Many situations that involve the evaluation of the moral status cause a dispute. One of these controversial topics pertains to abortion and fetal abnormality. While discussing the grounds and implications for abortion, many people base their beliefs on various theories. For example, a case study about abortions of a fetus with possible abnormality explores the reactions of a mother, father, close relative, and a medical professional. In the case study of fetal abnormality that is discussed in this paper, the individuals use ideal and discretionary theories to express various points on the grounds of a fetus’s life, sentience, and personhood.
Theories Used in the Case Study
The study describes the story of Jessica and Marco, who arrive at the hospital to see how Jessica’s pregnancy is going. Upon the conduction of examination, Dr. Wilson, the attending physician, establishes that the fetus has some abnormalities that will greatly endanger its life. Thus, the parents must decide to either keep the fetus or terminate the pregnancy. Every person in this story involuntarily establishes the moral status of the fetus and the ability of the mother to make a decision. First of all, Dr. Wilson possibly bases his evaluation on a discretionary theory and is probably thinking about the fetus’s sentience and mental personhood.
According to Sumner (2014), discretionary theories, which value autonomy, are opposed to ideal theories, the primary concern of which is the moral standard. The physician does not treat the fetus as a developed human organism with the highest moral status because it does not experience pain and has no cerebral activity. The ability to experience pain is one of the main traits of sentience, while the activity of the brain pertains to the criterion of mental personhood. Furthermore, he makes his main argument on the basis of the comfort of the parents, because they may experience problems with the child if they choose to continue the pregnancy. The utilitarianism in this situation lies in the physician’s perception of meeting the needs of the majority – the parents (Sumner, 2014).
An opposite view comes from Maria, a close relative of the family. Maria is convinced that the fetus is fully human and has a right to live. She also expresses concern about Jessica’s responsibilities and the importance of religion. Maria bases her opinion on an ideal theory that does not value moral autonomy as much as moral standards. Her perception of the fetus’s personhood is not connected to brain activity. She believes that an existing fetus is a person from the moment of creation. Such an ideal theory establishes moral grounds for every action of a person regardless of its private or public nature (Sumner, 2014). Jessica and Marco express aspects of both theories in their way of thinking. They value personal autonomy. Marco claims that he will respect any choice that Jessica will make although he is worried about his future. Jessica is also concerned about her independence. These individuals combine the concepts of ideal and discretionary theories.
Influence of the Theories
Dr. Wilson’s approach helps Jessica to see the full scope of possible actions. He is determined to give her the information about abortions, presenting it as a sound option. Dr. Wilson does not elevate the moral status of the fetus to the status of the couple, which allows him to conclude that abortion is a reasonable outcome (Overall, 2015). His rationalism in this situation may influence Jessica to terminate the pregnancy. Marco follows the same logic, as he wants Jessica to decide. He does not treat the fetus the same way as he treats Jessica. Maria’s theory implies that Jessica has a responsibility to the fetus. She perceives a fetus as a human being, thus equating his existence with the lives of other people. Her thoughts about the fetus’s moral status determine the choice of keeping the child.
Chosen Theory and Implications
In my opinion, the use of a discretionary theory is the most reasonable approach to this situation. Jessica has the right to decide whether her personal matters are more important than the continuation of the pregnancy. Moreover, her comfort should be the primary concern in this situation. It is her choice to make because she will be the person to encounter possible complications (Mullin, 2015). However, Dr. Wilson’s proposition is the most logical because the fetus has some abnormalities that will encumber the life of many individuals. In this situation, his utilitarianism seems appropriate.
Conclusion
Such controversial topics as abortion can be discussed from various points of view. Some scientists propose to approach this situation through the evaluation of the state of the embryo or fetus, while others rely on the importance of moral norms in personal and interpersonal interactions. The opposition of ideal and discretionary theories is the basis of the presence of moral standards in personal space. Ideal theories explore the responsibilities that every individual has to other humans. Discretionary theories, on the other hand, value personal space and a person’s autonomy to make decisions.
References
Mullin, A. (2015). Early pregnancy losses: Multiple meanings and moral considerations. Journal of Social Philosophy, 46(1), 27-43.
Overall, C. (2015). Rethinking abortion, ectogenesis, and fetal death. Journal of Social Philosophy, 46(1), 126-140.
Sumner, L. W. (2014). Abortion and moral theory. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.