Contemporary Issues and Theory

¶ … theories discussed in the case study. The first one was deontology theory which Maria and Jessica's actions denoted. They both felt life to them is sacred and thus would lead to the idea of never harming others regardless of consequences. "Deontological ethics focuses on duties, obligations, and rights" (Mackinnon & Fiala, 2014, p. 111). Because abortion leads to harming of the unborn fetus, Maria and Jessica felt they could not allow it. Referencing imago Dei, people that oppose abortion do so under the notion of innocence of the unborn fetus.

A blameless being potentially representing an image of God and therefore potentially serving a purpose, cannot simply be snuffed out due to certain circumstances. This is how Jessica and Maria's possible reasoning applies to the unborn fetus. Marco and Dr. Wilson however, have different theories in mind. Marco's reasoning falls in line with utilitarianism theory. "...an act is morally permissible if and only if it maximizes total well-being" (Eggleston & Miller, 2014, p. 220). Marco focused on Jessica's wellbeing and the overall wellbeing of the family.

Having an armless child with disabilities could cause a heavy financial burden on Marco and Jessica and could affect Jessica's health should she carry to term. Dr. Wilson also sees the harm having a baby like this could cause and followed the teleological mindset. Teleological theory or teleological ethics stems from moral responsibility/duty from what is desirable/good as a conclusion to be accomplished (Broad, 2014). The good is the health of the patient (Jessica) over the health of the infant.

Doctors often want to do their best for a patient and with Jessica, Dr. Wilson felt he needed to give her the option of the abortion to make sure she knows and has access to all the rights given to her. 2. The first theory, deontology influences Jessica and Maria's actions based on their desire to not harm the unborn fetus and seeing the pregnancy as a purposeful action instead of a mistake that must be rectified.

Marco sees it in the practical sense that overall, they will suffer from having to take care of a multi-disabled child. He sees it as wrong to keep a child that would suffer and cause suffering due to financial burden. Dr. Wilson saw it scientifically and also in terms quality of life.

Not only did he want to protect Jessica's rights by giving her access to an abortion, but he also felt that the best option would be to terminate the pregnancy to avoid the unborn fetus having a terrible quality of life and being a financial.