Human Dignity- Exploring the Christian Perspective on Intrinsic Worth and Value

The Christian perspective emphasizes the sanctity of human life, recognizing each individual as a unique creation of God. This foundational belief underscores the intrinsic value and dignity of every human being, irrespective of physical or intellectual abilities (Hoehner and J. 2020). Therefore, the Christian view aligns with a theory of moral status known as personhood theory, which asserts that moral consideration is granted to individuals based on their status as persons rather than on specific attributes or capacities.

In this context, the Christian understanding of human persons is compatible with the personhood theory of moral status. According to this theory, the moral worth of an entity is derived from its status as a person, and all human beings, regardless of their physical or mental condition, are considered persons deserving of moral consideration.

As perceived through the Christian lens, intrinsic human value and dignity are not contingent on external factors such as physical abilities or potential developmental abnormalities. Instead, these qualities are inherent to the human person by being created in the image of God (Stahl & Kilner, 2017). This perspective places a high moral value on the sanctity of life and underscores the responsibility to protect and cherish life from conception to natural death.

In the case study, Jessica grapples with conflicting desires for improved socioeconomic status and increased independence versus her deeply held conviction regarding the sacredness of all life. The Christian view, emphasizing the intrinsic value of human life, challenges Jessica to navigate this tension and make a decision that aligns with her understanding of God’s design for human existence.

Dr. Wilson’s advocacy for abortion as a “scientifically” and medically wise choice introduces a contrasting viewpoint that challenges the Christian perspective. The Christian response, grounded in the belief in the sanctity of life, would likely involve careful consideration of alternatives that respect the inherent dignity of the unborn child while also taking into account the challenges faced by Jessica and Marco (Stahl & Kilner, 2017).Top of Form

Aunt Maria’s plea for Jessica to follow through with the pregnancy and trust in divine intention reflects deontological ethics. Her emphasis on fulfilling a moral duty as a mother and relying on God’s plan suggests adherence to moral rules and responsibilities (Stahl & Kilner, 2017). On the other hand, Dr. Wilson’s advocacy for abortion based on scientific and medical considerations aligns with utilitarian ethics. His recommendation appears to prioritize the overall well-being and quality of life for Jessica, Marco, and the potential child, reflecting utilitarian principles that aim to maximize overall happiness or minimize suffering.

In summary, Jessica leans towards virtue ethics, Marco seems to consider consequentialist perspectives, Aunt Maria reflects deontological ethics, and Dr. Wilson aligns with utilitarian ethics. The distinct ethical theories these characters draw upon become apparent through their priorities, considerations, and reasoning in the face of the moral dilemma surrounding the fetus’s abnormality.

Aunt Maria’s deontological perspective guides her recommendation by emphasizing moral duties and divine intention. Her plea for Jessica to follow through with the pregnancy aligns with a sense of obligation and adherence to moral rules, influenced by her belief in God’s plan, while Dr. Wilson’s utilitarian approach influences his recommendation by prioritizing the overall well-being and quality of life for Jessica, Marco, and the potential child. His suggestion of abortion as a responsible medical alternative is driven by a desire to minimize potential suffering and maximize overall happiness for the individuals involved (Stahl & Kilner, 2017).

In summary, each character’s ethical theory shapes their recommendations for action. Jessica’s virtue ethics prioritizes the sanctity of life, Marco’s consequentialist perspective focuses on outcomes, Aunt Maria’s deontological stance emphasizes moral duties, and Dr. Wilson’s utilitarian approach seeks to maximize overall well-being.

In light of this, my recommended action would involve supporting Jessica and Marco in making a decision that reflects their values while also considering the potential challenges associated with raising a child with a disability. This might involve exploring options beyond abortion, such as seeking additional support services, connecting with communities that assist families in similar situations, and fostering an environment where the child can experience love and care (Stahl & Kilner, 2017).

Virtue ethics, with its emphasis on cultivating virtuous qualities, aligns with the nuanced and compassionate decision-making needed in situations involving complex moral dilemmas, allowing for a more holistic consideration of the well-being of all involved parties.

Multiple ways of knowing, including empirical evidence, personal experiences, and patient narratives, contribute to a more nuanced understanding of healthcare issues. Integrating diverse perspectives allows healthcare professionals to appreciate the unique circumstances of each patient and make more patient-centered judgments. Moreover, knowledge from other disciplines, such as sociology, psychology, and cultural studies, enriches the understanding of the social determinants of health, cultural contexts, and the psychosocial aspects of patient care. This interdisciplinary approach helps develop interventions that address the medical aspects of a condition and the broader contextual factors influencing health outcomes (Stahl & Kilner, 2019).

In my current and future professional healthcare practices, this integration of knowledge informs a holistic and patient-centered approach. It supports ethical decision-making, allows for a more nuanced understanding of patients’ needs, and enables the development of interventions that address the complexities of health and well-being (Stahl & Kilner, 2017). Combining knowledge from various disciplines creates a well-rounded foundation for effective and compassionate healthcare practices.