Based on “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” and the required topic study materials, write a 750-1,000-word reflection that answers the following questions: 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.
Reflection on the Case Study: Fetal Abnormality
Introduction:
The case study titled “Fetal Abnormality” presents a challenging ethical and moral dilemma that healthcare professionals often encounter. This paper aims to reflect on the case study by discussing the ethical principles underlying the decision-making process, examining the Christian worldview perspective, and proposing an alternative approach to the situation.
Ethical Principles:
The case study poses several ethical questions related to the withholding of medical information from patients and the termination of a pregnancy due to a severe fetal abnormality. The ethical principle of autonomy plays a central role in this scenario, advocating for the patient’s right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. Informed consent entails providing patients with complete and truthful information about their condition and the available treatment options. In this case, withholding information conflicts with the principle of autonomy, jeopardizing the patient’s ability to make fully informed choices regarding the continuation of the pregnancy.
The principle of beneficence dictates healthcare professionals’ duty to act in the best interest of the patient. In this case, the mother faces potential physical and emotional harm if she continues with the pregnancy, as well as potential harm to the child who will likely face severe physical and cognitive disabilities. The healthcare team may argue that their recommendation for termination aligns with the principle of beneficence, as it seeks to prevent harm to both the mother and the child.
Furthermore, the principle of non-maleficence underscores the obligation to do no harm. In this case, the fetus’s condition is severe and irreversible, and the child is expected to suffer immensely throughout its life if it survives birth. Advocates for terminating the pregnancy may argue that continuing the pregnancy would be ethically wrong, as it subjects the child to a life of pain and suffering.
Christian Worldview Perspective:
From a Christian worldview perspective, the case study raises additional moral and theological considerations. Christian teachings often emphasize the sanctity of life and the belief that life begins at conception. Some Christians may hold the position that any form of intentional termination of pregnancy is morally unacceptable. They may argue that God has a plan for every life, regardless of the individual’s health or abilities, and that it is not within human authority to determine the value of a person’s life.
Alternatively, other Christians may take a more nuanced stance and consider the concept of stewardship, acknowledging that human beings have a responsibility to wisely manage the resources and gifts that God has provided. They might argue that in cases of severe fetal abnormality, where the child will face immense suffering, terminating the pregnancy aligns with the principle of stewardship by preventing unnecessary pain and hardship.
Alternative Approach:
An alternative approach to the situation presented in the case study would involve a shared decision-making process between the healthcare professionals and the patients. This approach would prioritize autonomy while considering the ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence.
By providing the mother with complete and accurate information about the fetus’s condition and the potential consequences of continuing the pregnancy, the healthcare team allows her to make an informed choice. This approach respects the mother’s autonomy while also taking into account her well-being and that of the potential child. The mother should be given the opportunity to explore all available options, including the possibility of continuing the pregnancy with the support of medical interventions and services that can improve the child’s quality of life.
Conclusion:
The case study “Fetal Abnormality” raises complex ethical questions and challenges healthcare professionals to navigate the delicate balance between autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. While the principle of autonomy supports the patient’s right to make decisions about their own healthcare, the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence call for considerations of the potential harm and suffering that may arise from continuing a pregnancy with severe fetal abnormalities.
From a Christian worldview perspective, additional moral and theological considerations come into play, such as the belief in the sanctity of life and the concept of stewardship. These perspectives may further inform and influence the decision-making process.
An alternative approach to the case study could involve a shared decision-making process that empowers the mother to make informed choices about her healthcare while considering the ethical principles at stake. This approach allows for a more comprehensive and compassionate response to the complex ethical dilemmas presented in the case study.