Fetal Abnormality Case Study
Theories Applicable in this Case Study
Jessica Modern Western Worldview and Blended Theories
Jessica seems to embrace blended worldview theory on the abnormalities of the fetus. For example, in some certain instances she has same thoughts as Marco on how the condition of the fetus will affect the achievement of their socioeconomic goals and threaten their independence. Socioeconomic progress and independence are aspects rooted in the worldview culture of materialism and puts more emphasis on wealth accumulation than religious or spiritual aspects. That is why Jessica appears to borrow the position of Marco. On the other side, Jessica seems to appreciate the quality of life and finds it difficult to agree to Doctor Wilson’s choice of having the fetus terminated.
The two sides creates conflict for Jessica on which option she should undertake. The Jessica choice in this case study is influenced by scientific perception (fetus quality of life), biblical values and dualism. According to Stack (2012) dualism as an ingredient of modern western worldview involves conflict of aspects between what is evil and good. Besides, the modern western world view approach is also influenced by biblical values that teaches love and justice, scientific perspectives, truth-falsehood and success-failure factors. However, western worldview has distanced God from people who seems to believe in their doings and holds that they are the ones to determine their own destiny (Shelly & Miller, 2006).
Both sides play majors on influencing Jessica on deciding the best option in regards to the condition of the fetus. For example, materialism approach influences Jessica to accept fetus termination. On the other hand, modern western view and Christianity urges Jessica to proceed with pregnancy and play a responsibility as the mother of nurturing, loving and caring for the fetus.
Marco’s Materialism View
It is evident that Marcos is concerned about his wife and he is ready to support her irrespective of the decision she makes. However, on the other side Marco appears to be concerned about their socioeconomic progress. He sees the possibility of having a child with Down syndrome as a burden and barrier of their future success. Materialism theory encompasses that all objects are material and the most crucial and valuable aspect in life is having material possession. Materialism ignores religious and spiritual positions.
Marco is influenced by material objects. He view fetus as an obstacle of achieving their future socioeconomic success. The condition of the fetus will hinder the need of Marco and Jessica for material growth. The position for materialism progress do not provided an opportunity for the future of the fetus. Therefore, it can be seen from a different perspective Marco support the choice Doctor Wilson. According Marco, the fetus will just stop to exist. Christian worldview looks.
Maria Christianity Approach
In this case study, Maria appears to be a prayerful women. In one of the set ups she is seen praying for her family as well as calling the priest. She is advises Jessica not to accept abortion as suggested by Doctor Wilson. She pleads with Jessica to take responsibility of taking care of fetus and allow God’s plans to prevail.
Those who uphold to the Christianity approach looks upon prayer and God as the solution to problems. Similarly, Christianity worldview emphasizes on taking care of the sick and help those who indeed. Imago Dei is another Christianity concept that argue that all woman beings are created in the Image of God, God creates people the way they are according to His plans and therefore, no one is permitted to take another person life. According to this Christianity concept life scared and only God has the moral responsibility to terminate one’s life. Maria looks at the fetus as the living human who has God’s plans (Shelly & Miller, 2006).
Doctor Wilson Scientism Theory
Doctor Wilson’s’ approach on Jessica’s condition is influenced by scientism theory. Wilson cites scientific facts and goes ahead to tell Jessica that abortion which is his alternative way of saving her condition is scientifically and medically right option. It is also evident that when Doctor Wilson finds Jessica and Maria engaged in prayers he delivered the diagnosis news without considering either religious or spiritual aspects that were dominating the environment at that moment.
Scientism theory is based on reality and facts surrounding the event (Burnett, 2017). Scientism do not put into consideration religious, cultural or spiritual factors when analyzing and explaining the rationale behind the scientific decision. In this context, Doctor Wilson applies scientism theory to provide facts and realities on fetal abnormalities but not the quality of life. That is why he suggests that abortion is the best choice despite that a fetus can be born with abnormalities and survive. Doctor Wilson suggestion is largely tied on the quality of life of Jessica and therefore, he perceives that the abnormalities with the child may endanger her life.Maria’s Christianity Theory has Moral Position on Fetal Abnormality
Based on the moral position, this paper finds that Aunt Maria is morally right about the condition of the fetus. She is the only person who firmly turns out to value the sacred life of the fetus. Marco seems to care about the decision of his wife but he is also concerned about their economic well-being in the future. Jessica is entwined between the two side, materialism and Christianity. Doctor Wilson is concerned about the poor quality of life of the fetus and therefore suggests abortion is the best choice. It is only Maria who appears to exercise moral responsibility of having the fetus taken care of despite its abnormalities.