Based on “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” and other required topic study materials, write a 750-1,000-word reflection that answers the following questions:

What is the Christian view of the nature of human persons, and which theory of moral status is it compatible with? How is this related to the intrinsic human value and dignity?
Which theory or theories are being used by Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson to determine the moral status of the fetus? What from the case study specifically leads you to believe that they hold the theory you selected?
How does the theory determine or influence each of their recommendations for action?
What theory do you agree with? Why? How would that theory determine or influence the recommendation for action?

Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

Rubric

Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible is clear, thorough, and explained with a deep understanding of the connection between them. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. 30%

The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is explained clearly and draws insightful relevant conclusions. Rationale for choices made is clearly supported by topic study materials and case study examples. 15%

Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is clear, insightful, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the theory and its impact on recommendation for action. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. 15%

Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear, relevant, and insightful. 10%

Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.

Clear and convincing argument presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.

Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.

All format elements are correct.

Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.

Here is a link to the Khan video on Moral Status. It will help explain the five theories discussed in the lecture:

https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/wiphi-value-theory/wiphi-ethics/v/moral-status

Solution:

Reflection on Case Study: Fetal Abnormality

Introduction

The Case Study: Fetal Abnormality presents a difficult ethical dilemma that highlights competing perspectives about the moral status of a fetus with severe health complications. Each character—Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson—approaches the situation from a distinct moral standpoint, leading to differing recommendations. This reflection will examine the Christian view of human persons and its compatibility with moral status theory, analyze the theories guiding each individual in the case study, explain how these perspectives shape their actions, and conclude with a personal stance on the most compelling theory.

Christian View of Human Persons and Moral Status

Christian anthropology holds that every human being is created in the imago Dei—the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26–27). From conception, life is considered sacred, and each person is seen as possessing intrinsic dignity and worth regardless of condition, capacity, or stage of development (Meilaender, 2013). Human value is not contingent upon cognitive ability, independence, or utility but rather grounded in divine creation.

This understanding aligns most closely with the theory of moral status based on human properties. According to this theory, moral worth is derived from being human, not from extrinsic qualities such as sentience, rationality, or relationships (Khan Academy, n.d.). Christianity, therefore, rejects utilitarian notions that weigh life against suffering or productivity. Instead, it affirms that intrinsic dignity is constant and universal.

By linking moral status to human properties, the Christian view ensures that the unborn, the disabled, the elderly, and others often marginalized retain equal dignity. The fetus in the case study, despite abnormalities, remains a bearer of intrinsic value and cannot be dismissed as less worthy of life.

Theories Reflected in Each Character

Jessica (the mother).
Jessica expresses deep anxiety about whether raising a child with disabilities would be too great a burden. Her reasoning reflects the theory based on cognitive properties. She questions whether the fetus can ever achieve independence or a meaningful quality of life. This indicates she views moral status in terms of future rational capacity and functioning. The text suggests she is torn between maternal attachment and the fear of hardship, but her focus on capability reveals her leaning toward cognitive-based moral status.

Marco (the father).
Marco prioritizes his relationship with Jessica, asserting that the decision should ultimately be hers. His position reflects the theory based on relationships. He frames the dilemma in terms of his connection with Jessica rather than the fetus, emphasizing support for her role and decision-making rather than attributing intrinsic moral status to the unborn child. His deference signals that he locates moral significance in relational obligations rather than inherent human dignity.

Maria (the aunt).
Maria responds from a faith-based perspective, insisting that terminating the pregnancy would be morally wrong. Her stance is consistent with the human properties theory, which aligns with Christian teaching. She affirms that life is valuable regardless of disability or suffering and bases her reasoning on the sanctity of life. The case highlights Maria’s strong conviction that the fetus possesses full moral status simply by being human.

Dr. Wilson (the physician).
Dr. Wilson recommends abortion on the grounds of sparing suffering for both the child and the parents. His reasoning reflects the theory based on sentience and utilitarian thinking. He focuses on the capacity of the fetus to experience pain and the projected quality of life, suggesting moral worth depends on the ability to avoid suffering. By prioritizing outcomes over intrinsic dignity, Dr. Wilson assigns conditional value to the fetus.

Influence of Theories on Recommendations

Each character’s theoretical framework clearly guides their recommendations:

Jessica’s cognitive perspective leads her to consider termination, as she doubts the child’s potential for independence and meaningful development.
Marco’s relational approach results in deferring the decision to Jessica, emphasizing spousal support rather than direct consideration of the fetus’s status.
Maria’s human properties view drives her to insist that the pregnancy continue, affirming intrinsic human dignity despite difficulties.
Dr. Wilson’s sentience/utilitarian view prompts him to recommend abortion to minimize suffering and familial burden.

The divergence of opinions illustrates how differing moral frameworks lead to contrasting conclusions about the same ethical scenario.

Personal Position and Preferred Theory

The theory I find most compelling is the human properties theory, which resonates with the Christian understanding of human dignity. If moral worth is based on sentience, cognitive abilities, or relational recognition, then infants, individuals with profound disabilities, or patients in comas would lack full moral status—a conclusion that is both ethically troubling and socially dangerous (Khan Academy, n.d.).

By contrast, the human properties perspective ensures equal protection and respect for all persons regardless of condition. In the case study, this means recognizing the fetus as a human being with intrinsic worth. My recommendation would therefore be to continue the pregnancy, while also ensuring that Jessica and Marco receive holistic support—medical, emotional, and social. Such an approach upholds the sanctity of life while addressing the legitimate challenges faced by the family.

This position is further supported by Christian bioethics, which emphasizes that suffering, while real, does not negate human dignity (Meilaender, 2013). Instead of eliminating the life in question, the ethical path involves providing compassionate care to both the unborn child and the parents.

Conclusion

The Case Study: Fetal Abnormality illustrates how competing theories of moral status profoundly shape ethical decision-making. Jessica’s cognitive approach, Marco’s relational emphasis, Maria’s human properties perspective, and Dr. Wilson’s sentience/utilitarian reasoning all lead to divergent recommendations. By contrast, the Christian view, grounded in the human properties theory, affirms intrinsic dignity and the sanctity of life. Personally, I find this view most persuasive because it ensures equal moral worth for all human beings. Guided by this framework, the recommendation is to respect and preserve life while providing compassionate support to the family navigating these profound challenges.

References

Khan Academy. (n.d.). Moral status. In Wi-Phi: Open access philosophy. https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/wiphi-value-theory/wiphi-ethics/v/moral-status

Meilaender, G. (2013). Bioethics: A primer for Christians (3rd ed.). Eerdmans.