[ANSWERED 2024] This assignment will focus on introducing you to the question of human dignity and, in particular, the Christian perspective of the intrinsic worth and value of each person

Human resemblance of God, according to the Imago Dei, emphasizes the sacredness of life which starts at conception. On the basis of this God-Human relationship including resemblance, a fetus has dignity. Even though the fetus has an abnormality, they still have worth because the inherent dignity of a person that they acquire on the basis of being created in God’s image (Cheraghi et al., 2023). This means that the fetus’ disability status does not deny them the inherent dignity and worth that comes with being created in the image of God.

The nature of the human person as portrayed in the Christian worldview is consistent with the Sanctity of Life Theory. According to this theoretical framework, human life has a worth, is sacred, and possesses moral status. The framework also recognizes the inviolability aspects of human life. This view deviates from the perspectives that associate moral status with one’s competency including their capacity to make conscious and rational decisions.

If one considers these perspectives, they would support the termination of pregnancy on the ground that that the fetus lacks the necessary competencies that make one a moral being. Conversely, viewing the fetus’ moral status from the perspective of the Sanctity of Life is likely to translate into respect of the fetus’ right to live (Colosi, 2020).

The Christian worldview on the nature of human person is tied to the intrinsic human value, a concept grounded in the story of creation which recognizes the importance of life including the moral aspects of human life. The idea that human is made in God’s image is significant in this scenario in the sense that it highlights the importance of preserving life. A person’s existence, based on the portrayal of the fetus’ moral status in the Christian worldview, is what makes them have worth (Clarke, 2023). This worth does not come on the basis of one’s ability, accomplishments, competency or their social role.

With a 25% risk of the fetus developing down syndrome, Marco and Jessica need to make a decision that is consistency with the perspective presented by the Christian worldview regarding the moral status of the fetus. Instead of viewing the fetus’ moral status through the lens of the conventional ethical theory that associate morality with certain competencies like mental health status, a person working with the family would support the parents to make decisions that are consistent with the idea that life is sacred (Horowski & Kowalski, 2022).

When it comes to Marco, the relationship theory seems to influence his views and stance regarding how to handle the bioethical issue. This theory maintains that decision-making in the context of pregnancy termination involves the input of various parties including the fetus’ parents. This theory also considers decision-making through the cultural context (Niţă & Ilie Goga, 2020).

The cognitive property theory applies to Dr. Wilson’s case given how he handles the issue. This theory highlights the need for one to make decisions on moral issues after considering adequate details. These details include the status of the fetus, the familial relationships, and the impact the fetus’ status may have on the parties involved.

Maria is guided by the moral agency theory given her faith including how she interprets the issue of abort. Moral agency views bioethical issues from the lens of moral values. A person that holds a moral view in this case relies on moral teachings to decide whether an act is ethical or unethical (Simkulet, 2021).

The relationship theory plays out in terms of how Marco attempts to handle the bioethical issue. Marco is involved in addressing the issue because he seems to recognize that an issue that involves termination of pregnancy requires the input of various parties. Because he recognizes the importance of handling the issue by involving everyone, he discusses the issue with Jessica.

Dr. Wilson’s use of the cognitive properties theory is noticeable in how he attempts to handle the issue. He reasons and attempts to address the bioethical issue after gathering adequate details. It is on the basis of this theory that he lets Marco and Jessica make decisions on whether to let the fetus continue living even if the child will possibly develop down syndrome.

Aunty Maria’s approach to resolving the issue is consistency with the moral agency theory which emphasizes adopting a decision-making approach that is grounded in moral principles (Kandlbinder, 2024).

The other aspect of the theory is that it acknowledges the importance of sharing with the patient the information about their health including the impact of the available interventions. Considering this principle, it makes sense for Dr. Wilson to share with Jessica information about the fetus’ health status. This would make it possible for Jessica to make informed decisions.

The benefits of moral agency theory come into play in a situation in which individuals present divergent views regarding how to handle an ethical problem. This theory emphasizes the need to consider and respect divergent views (Varkey, 2021). It also compels individuals to take the initiative to act and behave in a manner that reflects respect for the moral values.

As an ethical theory, the moral agency can help resolve concerns tied to the moral dilemma by presenting an approach that emphasizes fairness. The theory can also provide a common ground for those involved in decision-making.

The knowledge drawn from different disciplines, and combined with ethics can help enhance provider’s capacity to make decisions. Part of these disciplines includes sociology which acknowledges the importance of social relationships. Conversely, psychology deals with mental health including its relationship to human behavior. Combining the knowledge derived from these fields can help one to understand why people make certain decisions including those that can jeopardize their wellbeing. This integration of knowledge provides rich perspectives on how to deal with the moral dilemma.

From the healthcare practice standpoint, applying this knowledge in bioethical issues is likely to result to understanding of individuals including their reasons for choosing certain decisions. For me as a provider, therefore, integrating the knowledge would come with significant benefits especially when presented with ethical issues.