Case Studies Ethical Decisions

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Case Study 1: Anencephalic Fetus

Dozier et al. (2020) indicate that attitudes about abortion vary from one person to another. The authors further indicate that this is an issue that religious leaders do not have a consensus about. However, I am of the opinion that the bible unequivocally discourages abortion. From a Christian perspective, no conceived human being lacks human status. By the mere virtue that the child was conceived, it is a human being regardless of its condition. This is backed up by many biblical verses – and more specifically, Jeremiah 1:5 where it is written; “before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” This indicates that God has a purpose for every conceived being.

Case Study 2: Malnourished Mother

In this case, I would look into the bible for guidance. There are dozens of bible verses about trusting in God in the face of adversity. For instance, in Proverbs 3: 5-6, we are called upon to trust the Lord with our heart. This particular verse also tells us that we must not be tempted to lean on our own human understanding. The repercussions of continuing the pregnancy are on this front largely founded upon our human understanding of the potential risks. According to the Becoming Christians (2022) blog, God always has our best interests in mind. With this in mind, we must accept the fact that God has the best interests of the 33-year old Christian woman as well as her children (including her unborn child) in mind. We must not intervene.

Case Study 3: Low Sperm Count

As believing Christian, I would advise Matt and Kelly to keep trying to conceive through the natural methods as any other course of action risks running afoul of what the bible teaches. For instance, in Psalm 27:14, we are clearly advised to “wait for the lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the lord.” From an ethical perspective, one ideal course of action would be to attempt conception through AID. This is per the ethical theory of utilitarianism which, as Birsch (2013) indicates, calls for the maximization of overall happiness. Given that they are committed to each other, Matt and Kelly would be happier with a child. The child would also likely grow up in a happy family setting.

Case Study 4: Sperm Bank Decision

I would advise Barry and Ann Friesen to ensure that their final decision is rooted in biblical teachings. This is more so the case with regard to not attempting to play God. It would be prudent to note that in Proverbs 28:26, any attempt to rely on our own knowledge and wisdom as human beings, apart from that of God, has been branded foolish. More specifically, the verse in question points out that “those who trust in their own reasoning are fools, but those who walk in wisdom will be kept safe.” Storing Barry’s sperm in a sperm bank would be trusting in own reasoning.

Case Study 5: Elderly Cancer Patient

To begin with, as a person having a background in medicine, I would advise the daughter to embrace the experimental drug given the condition her mother is in. It is also important to note that as Mahant (2020) indicates, there is already an act in place that gives persons the ‘right-to-try’ certain medicines that are still in the experimental phase – specifically for diseases deemed life-threatening. The act was passed in the year 2018 by Donald Trump. As a Christian, I would advise the woman’s daughter to leave the future in God’s hands. This perspective is captured perfectly in Mathew 6: 25 in which case we are advised; “therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.”

Case Study 6: Physically Tenacious Grandfather

From a legal perspective, what was done was largely illegal. Although there are legal technicalities from state to state on an issue of this nature, there are certain basic conditions that have to be met prior to taking such drastic measures as the removal of a feeding tube (Jaeger, 2000). In this case, it appears the patient was conscious and was NOT in a vegetative state when food and water were withdrawn. Also, it is indicated that the old man was NOT mentally incompetent (i.e. by virtue of being able to occasionally recognize family members). He was also NOT terminally ill. Thus, the questioner ought to have questioned this particular decision. I am of the opinion that she should rope in the relevant government agencies, such as law enforcement officers, into the issue. Further, she should seek forgiveness from God. In 1 John 1:9, we are told that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”