Moral Positions on a Fetal Abnormality Case Study
Every person has their own set of values, ethics, and morals that they have developed over their lifetime and has been shaped by their life experiences, the relationships in their lives and their own personal worldview and moral compass. A person’s moral compass guides them in the decisions they make daily both in their personal lives and their professional careers, helps individuals determine what is right and wrong, and helps guide them during situations in which there are many different paths they can choose from that are each morally correct but have completely different resolutions and outcomes. Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay).
This paper will identify and explore the different worldview theories that the characters Doctor Wilson, Aunt Maria, Marco and Jessica identify with and use to influence and determine the moral status and recommendation for the fetus in a case study from Grand Canyon University, “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” (n.d.). Using this case study, this author will explore and discuss which theory this author identifies with and how this theory will influence and determine the action this author would take in a situation such as presented in the case study.
Worldview Theories and Influences
The decisions and paths that one choses and follows all stem from our own moral compasses and personal worldviews which are shaped by our culture, religion, spirituality, ethics, values, personal relationships and life experiences just to name a few influences. When given a similar situation, individuals will respond and react differently depending on their moral compass and worldview. In health care, it is important to not only be able to identify and understand your own moral compass and personal worldview, but to be able to identify and understand those of other’s around you. They allow health care professionals to understand and respect the wishes of others even if the worldviews are different, remain non-judgmental and unbiased, and provide high quality care that is both caring and compassionate.
Doctor Wilson and Scientism
The author of this paper believes that Doctor Wilson’s personal worldview is influenced by scientism. In “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” (n.d.), Doctor Wilson uses facts that the test results were positive for the rare condition and the chance that the fetus could have Down syndrome also to deliver the news to Jessica and Marco and the available options. Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay). Doctor Wilson delivered the news without interjecting religion or spirituality into his discussion; however, he did provide his own view that abortion was medically and scientifically a good choice in this situation, and a responsible medical alternative. (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.)
According to Burnett (n.d.), scientism explains reality and events in a material or physical manner. Scientism removes all spiritual, cultural and religious aspects in examining, explaining and rationalizing reality and does not account for what happens after death. Science is viewed as the only real source of knowledge and ignores other branches of learning and knowledge. Scientism can influences and determine the actions of individuals by the use of scientific facts, studies and knowledge gained from science alone, and by explaining situations in a physical or material manner. (Burnett, n.d.)
Using the concepts listed one can see scientism in the actions of Doctor Wilson: providing facts on the abnormalities and quality of life for the child, abortion as a medical alternative, different options available but also makes it known his opinion that abortion is medically and scientifically a good choice. As stated, scientism removes all spiritual, cultural and religious aspects which we can see Doctor Wilson did not address while giving his recommendations. (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.)
Aunt Maria and Christianity
The author of this paper believes that Aunt Maria’s worldview is Christianity. In the case study, Aunt Maria prays for her family and is seen phoning their priest. Aunt Maria also interjects her opinion that Jessica should not abort the fetus, asks Jessica to think of her responsibilities to the growing fetus inside of her as the fetus’s mother and that they should follow God’s plan. (HLT 310V Case Study: Fetal Abnormality, n.d.) Case Study: Fetal Abnormality (Moral Status Essay).
According to Shelly and Miller (2006), a Christian worldview looks to God and the importance of prayer, faith and a personal approach to health care, and that science and technology are gifts from God t
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