Introduction
Abortion is one of the urgent problems worldwide, and disputes about the permissibility of abortion and infanticide have been conducted since ancient times. It has demographic meaning, political and social significance, and an essential ethical aspect. The acuteness in the discussion of abortion problems persists, even though this problem is “as old as the world.” This is explained by the fact that the issue of abortion concentrates on relations between people at the level of moral, legal, socio-political, religious, and scientific consciousness. The analysis of the case study on the situation with abortion is what the emphasis is on in this paper.
The Nature of Human Persons
From Christian views, the nature of a human person is expressed through the prism of self-awareness, self-consciousness, willfulness, and innovation. Essentially, nature rewards people with freedom, and only by the laws of nations can they be turned into slavery and servitude (Müller, 2020). Furthermore, humans were created in the image and likeness of God, and they need to know the nature of the Divine because it explains the nature of humans; people reveal themselves as they discover God. Based on this information, one should recognize that this view is most compatible with the theory based on human properties. Therefore, this may be related to a person’s dignity in the individual and social being of a person in terms of the properties characteristic of beings and belonging to their essence. In other words, the embryo, fetus, and adult equally have moral status and have similar features that are characteristic exclusively of humans. In brief, human life is sacred and inviolable at any stage and in any situation, and one needs to see a person before seeing a problem.
Theories
Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson use various theories to determine the fetus’s moral status. For instance, Jessica uses the human properties theory, convincing the doctor that the fetus has moral status. Marco and Maria, like Jessica, use the human properties theory, as well as the theory of human nature and the rational choice theory. In this case, they support Jessica’s decision regarding fetal survival. Finally, Dr. Wilson appeals instead to the rational theory of cognition and the theory of moral sentiments. He convinces the patient that abortion is a safe procedure that must be carried out to avoid the child’s suffering from developmental problems. In his opinion, an unborn child has no moral status. Therefore, a thorough analysis of their views and judgments on the fetus’s moral status leads me to believe they adhere to the human properties theory, the theory of human nature, the rational choice theory, the rational theory of cognition, or the theory of moral sentiments.
Influence of Theories
The human properties theory determines Jessica, Mark, and Maria’s recommendations for action based on the fact that the embryo has moral status, and abortion ends the life of a full-fledged human being. A creature has a moral status, at least because it deserves respect and should not be harmed (DeGrazia & Millum, 2021). The theory of human nature helps Marco and Maria establish traits that distinguish them from other living beings, not people. In addition, the rational choice theory makes them understand that it is necessary to weigh several options simultaneously, choosing the “lesser of evils.” Consequently, the rational theory of cognition and the theory of moral sentiments influence Dr. Wilson’s advice and force him to rely not on morals but on scientific, rational aspects. According to the first theory, a person should use interests that would bring significant benefits. Appealing to the theory of moral sentiments, he likely believes that such moral feelings should be regarded as irrational conditions and that it is necessary to rely on common sense.
Student’s Opinion
Like Jessica, Marco and Maria, I agree with the human properties theory because it correlates with Christian views on people’s lives. In my opinion, any unborn baby has a moral status. Even before birth, a person is mysteriously capable of communicating with God, and communication with God is always personal. From a Christian point of view, this episode serves as one of the arguments in favor of the fact that an unborn child is not soulless and impersonal, and abortion is murder. Furthermore, special attention should be paid to protecting the lives of vulnerable people who do not have the opportunity to defend themselves from harm on their own. For example, Jessica’s embryo is defenseless and entirely relies on the choice of adults. This theory can determine or influence the recommendation for action based on the definition of moral and ethical principles. An unborn child is endowed with moral status, especially if conceived by a human parent and has a human genetic code (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). This theory covers everyone, not excluding anyone due to disability, infirmity, or immaturity.
Conclusion
Summarizing the above, it is necessary to state that a person is inherently free and independent, and their personality comes from God. This statement, accordingly, correlates with the theory based on human properties. Based on the case study, Jessica relies more on this theory, as well as do Marco and Maria. However, Marco and Maria actively use the theory of human nature and the rational choice theory in their judgments. Dr. Wilson has opposite views on the nature of the embryo and believes that Jessica’s situation should be viewed from the point of view of the rational theory of cognition and the theory of moral sentiments. However, according to the student, Jessica is correct in her beliefs, supported by the specific theory. An unborn child, as well as an adult, has moral status, as well as a fetus is not protected and has no way to influence the parents’ decision.
References
Beckwith, F., & Thornton, A. K. (2020). Moral status and the architects of principlism. The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, 45(4-5), 504–520. Web.
DeGrazia, D., & Millum, J. (2021). A theory of bioethics. Cambridge University Press.
Müller, S. (2020). Concepts and dimensions of human dignity in the Christian tradition. Interdisciplinary Journal for Religion and Transformation in Contemporary Society, 6, 22-55. Web.