Introduction
The moral status of the fetus is a matter of debate and the subject of several moral theories. Jessica and Marco, a family of immigrants from Mexico, are expecting a baby. Ultrasound scans of the fetus showed severe abnormalities such as undeveloped arms and potential development of Down’s syndrome. Dr. Wilson recommends that parents have an abortion taking into account the quality of life of the child in the future. Aunt Maria, being a Christian, on the contrary, is sure that every life is sacred and should be preserved. Jessica is torn between these two views, and Marco is ready to support any decision of his wife. Moral agency theory is the most relevant theory for decision-making in this situation.
Discussion
According to the Christian view of human nature, man was created by God in his own image. The Bible states “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (New International Version Bible, 2011, Genesis 1:27). Since each person is created in the image of God, they must be loved and cared for. Thus, according to the Christian view, the life of every human being is valuable and sacred. Consequently, the fetus is also a human being, so his or her life must be respected as well.
The human properties theory is compatible with this view as it states that every Homo Sapiens has a moral status. In particular, the theory assumes that every individual human organism with the human genome has it. Most importantly, “it covers all human beings, excluding none because of immaturity, senility, or disability” (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020, p. 506). It is also related to the intrinsic human value and dignity as those are universal rights of every human being (Vatter, 2019). Thus, any human being has an intrinsic and natural right to independently dispose of one’s own life and freedom. Thus, in accordance with the Christian view and human properties theory, parents or doctors do not have the right to deprive a fetus of life.
Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson use different theories to determine the moral status of the fetus. Jessica has mixed feelings based on relationship theory, which suggests that the fetus is already part of the family and has a relationship with the parents (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). She also believes that every human life is sacred so human properties theory is applicable. Marco considers the situation from the utilitarian point of view, so moral agency theory is relevant to him. The fetus cannot make independent decisions so has no moral status (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). He is willing to support any decision that his wife is going to make. However, he is preoccupied with the future of his family and the handicaps that the disabled child may bring.
Maria is a believing Christian, therefore she adheres to the human properties theory and believes that any human life is sacred. Dr. Wilson is guided by moral agency morality since sentience-based theory is not applicable to fetuses at such a late stage of pregnancy (Beckwith & Thornton, 2020). The fetus also has no brain damage which indicates that he or she has cognition and is able to think. Dr. Wilson underlines that a child with such abnormalities would have a poor quality of life which indicates the willingness to evaluate morally right or wrong decisions, which the parents can make.
The theories described influence and determine the recommendations for action that each of the participants proposes. Jessica is unable to make a decision right away as she is torn between a rational mind and Christian beliefs. Marco considers the situation in relation to his relationships with Jessica and his family’s well-being, so he would support any decision to keep his wife happy. Maria insists on the need to preserve the fetus, regardless of the discovered abnormalities, since any human life is valuable. She does not talk about the future life of such a child and its quality. Dr. Wilson is guided by the need to evaluate the consequences of the birth on the life of the child himself, emphasizing that the quality of his life will be poor.
Conclusion
I agree with the moral agent theory as adults, including doctors and parents, can appreciate the potential consequences of having a child with these abnormalities. In particular, one can decide whether it is morally justified not to have an abortion knowing that the child will not have a normal life. Additionally, adults can assess how they are able to maintain the quality of life of a child with a disability in the future, and care for and love him or her. Jessica and Marco must consider whether they can provide a decent life for themselves and their unborn offspring in the future. It must be taken into account that a child with such abnormalities, although having an intrinsic value and a natural right to life, may not be happy in the future due to self-image and social pressure. Thus, based on the theory, it would be recommended to have an abortion, which is consistent with the opinion of Dr. Wilson.
References
Beckwith, J., & Thornton, A. K. (2020). Moral status and the architects of principlism. Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, 45, 504-520. Web.
New International Version Bible. (2011). Bible Gateway. Web.
Vatter, M. (2019). Dignity and the foundation of human rights: Toward an averroist genealogy. Politics and Religion, 13(2), 304-332. Web.