Question

Jessica is a 30 year old immigrant from Mexico City. She and her husband Marco have been in the U.S for the last three years and have finally earned enough money to move out of their aunt home and into an apartment of their own. They are both hard workers. Jessica works 50 hours a week at a local restaurant, and Marco has been contracting side jobs in construction. Six months before their move to an apartment, Jessica finds out she is pregnant. Four months later, Jesssica and Marco arrive at the county hospital, a large, public, nonteaching hospital. A preliminary ultrsaound indicates a pssible abnormality with the fetus. Further scans are conducted and it determind that the fetus has a rare condition in which it has not developed any arms, and will not likely develop them. There is also a 25% chance that the fetus may have down syndrome. Dr. Wilson, the primary attending physician is seeing Jessica for the first time, since she and Marco did not receive earlier prenatal care over concerns about finances. Marco insists that Dr. Wilson refrain from telling Jessica the scan results, assuring him that he will tell his wife himself when she is emotionally ready for the news. While Marco and Dr. Wilson are talking in another room, Aunt Maria walks into the room with adistressed look on her face. She can tell that something is wrong and inquires of Dr. Wilson. After hearing of the diagnosis, she walks out of the room wailing loudly and praying out loud. Marco and Dr. Wilson continues their discussion and Dr. Wilson insists that he has an obligation to Jessica his patient and that she has a right to know the diagnosis of the fetus. He furthermore is intent to discussing all relevant factors and options regrading the next step, including abortion. Marco insists on taking some time to think of how to break the news to Jessica, but Dr. Wilson, frustrated with the direction of the conversation, informs husband that such a choice is not his to make. Dr. Wilson proceeds back across the hall, where he walks in on Aunt Maria awkwardly praying with Jessica and phoning the priest. At that point, Dr. Wilson gently but briefly informs Jessica of the diagnosis, and lays out the option for abortion as a responsible medical alternative, given the quality of life such a child would have. Jessica looks at him and struggles to hold back hers tears. Jessica is torn between her hopes of a better socioeconomic position and increased independence, along with her conviction that all life is sacred. Marco will support Jessica in whatever decision she makes, but is finding it difficult to not view the pregnancy and prospects of a disabled child as aburden and a barrier to their economic security and plans. Dr. Wilson lays out all of the options but clearly makes his view known that abortion is "scientifically" and medically a wise choice is this situation. Aunt Maria pleads with Jessica to follow through with the pregnancy and allow what "God intends" to take place, and urges Jessica to think of her responsibility as a mother. Write a 500-750 word analysis of this situation be sure to address the following questions.

1. Which theory or theories are being used by Jessica, Marco, Maria and Dr. Wilson to determine the moral status of the fetus? Explain?

Answer 1

MORAL STATUS:- The moral agency theory tells that the ability to distinguish between right and wrong defines the moral status of a being.
-Next is the theory of based on sentience which hold that the moral status of a being is defined by the ability of a being to perceive pain and pleasure and react appropriately.
-Lastly is the theory based on relationships, defined by ties that bind people together for example family, work, patient and doctors.
-This status varies depending on the party one is dealing with.
-From their conversation on whether to abort or not several theories on moral status of fetus are evident.
- First, is the theory of cognitive properties, which Dr. Wilson employs by explaining to the family the burden the family will get into by deciding to keep the baby, he clearly explains the difficulties they will face in raising the child. -He however encourages them to abort using his expertise on medical knowledge.
- According to this theory, it is acceptable to abort since the fetus has no moral status that is it lacks awareness and rationality.
- The theory of relationship comes out where Maria pleads with Jessica keep the baby and not to even think of abortion, as it is morally wrong according to the bible.
- She also tells her to think of the situation and take responsibility as a mother.