Theories
The given case offers a sophisticated ethical issue related to the determination of the moral status of a fetus. The fact is that there is a crucial abnormality in the development as the embryo has not developed limbs and will not likely to do it. Additionally, there is a high risk (25%) of the fetus having Down syndrome. For this reason, Dr. Wilson suggests abortion as the only possible solution to this problem. He appeals to the cognitive theory stating that any creature could have a moral status only if it possesses a certain level of awareness, rationality, mental abilities (Greasley & Kaczor, 2017). Considering the current state of the fetus, these factors are doubted because of the critical abnormality in the development. In such a way, a would-be individual will hardly be able to realize his/her status because of the hypothetical Down disease. Additionally, Dr. Wilson might also appeal to the idea of ethic or moral virtues proclaiming that being a mother, Jessica should not let her child suffer and she as she is responsible for the life of a child (Steinbock, 2011). Having no limbs, he/she will not be able to enjoy the high quality of life.
As for Marco, he supports Jessica in her decision adhering to the theory that only a mother has the right to determine her childs destiny. For this reason, carrying a baby, a woman should decide whether to give it life and care for him/her or make an abortion because of moral considerations and cognitive peculiarities of a fetus. Additionally, the theory of moral agency could be applied. It states that being in relations, people should support each other and accept their decisions.
Jessica adheres to the theory that all life is sacred and only God can determine whether a person should live or not (Hovey, 2018). Additionally, being a mother, she wants to protect her child and suffers from the idea that his/her life might be ceased. In such a way, her moral considerations become extremely complex as these theories are opposed to scientific findings and rational thinking.
Finally, Maria pursues the idea of mothers responsibility and the impossibility of abortion because of its immoral character.
Recommendations and Motifs
The theories mentioned above apparently impact actions of all people involved in this ethical dilemma. Being a scientist and an educated specialist, Dr. Wilson feels responsible for recommending the abortion because of the crucial abnormality and high risk of Down diseases. Correctly realizing the danger that of these health issues and problems the child might face in the future, he is sure that abortion is the best option as is will help to avoid moral sufferings. Parents will see the problematic development of their baby and his/her inability to enjoy benefits of life. Additionally, even if the fetus does not acquire the mentioned mental disease, he/she will be doomed to live perfectly realizing his/her disability. For this reason, the cognitive theory makes Dr. Wilson suggest the abortion as the option to avoid future problems. As for Jessica, different motifs impact her actions. Being sure that all life is sacred, she wants to refuse the abortion and give birth to her child as it is a unique human being who will have his/her own path. However, as a mother, she also wants her baby to be healthy and happy. For this reason, his/her disability will cause moral suffering to her. In such a way, these two considerations introduce different motifs and recommendations for actions. As for Marco, he tries to avoid making decisions. Adhering to the idea that only mother can solve this problem, he recommends Jessica to make a particular decision which he will support. Finally, Marias faith and belief that God knows better make her recommend to save this child as it is a sacred mothers responsibility.
Personal Attitude
Analyzing the given case, I am sure that there is the only possible option that could be used. I understand Jessicas hesitations and her inability to make a right choice as it is her baby and being a mother she wants to give birth to it as it is her main duty. However, I think that mothers duties also include the responsibility to guarantee an appropriate quality of life to a child and do not let him/her suffer. For this reason, I support Dr. Wilsons point of view based on the cognitive and moral virtues theory. It is cruel and irresponsible to give birth to a child knowing that he/she is doomed to spend life suffering from the inability to live brightly. It might be a complicated moral and ethical dilemma; however, it is exactly what parents should do. They should protect and look after their babies to ensure that they are happy. In this case, abortion becomes the only way to care for the fetus and release it from pain and disability. In such a way, using the cognitive theory to determine the moral status of the fetus we can recommend terminating the pregnancy to avoid moral and physical suffering.
References
Greasley, K., & Kaczor, C. (2017). Abortion rights: For and against. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
Hovey, C. (2018). The moral aesthetics of compulsory ultrasound viewing and the theological future of abortion. Studies in Christian Ethics. Web.
Steinbock, B. (2011). Life before birth: The moral and legal status of embryos and fetuses (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.