Reproductive Issues and Nursing Ethics, Essay Example

Reproductive health involves some decisions that rise serious ethical concerns. This essay discusses ethical issues that surround abortion and prenatal screening.

Part 1: Abortion

Answer to Q1

There is undecided stand in the debate between pro-choice and pro-life groups about the rights of the fetus and the rights of woman to decide whether or not to abort. My position of discussion is the pro-choice since the fetus, which is not a conscious, cannot control the life of a woman.

Answer to Q2

The principle of autonomy connects very well with a person’s self-determination. In this regard, women should be permitted to make choices and take actions according to their own values and beliefs. Therefore, women should be free from coercion while deciding whether to abort or not. Another ethical principle that supports my stand is the principle of justice. Justice is a moral obligation based on the fair intercession between the opposing claims. It entails fairness, equality, and entitlement (Alzheimer Europe, 2012).

Answer to Q3

The grand ethnical theory of deontology is concerned with fulfillment of duty with a justifiable reason. A woman, like any other person with a moral duty, is free to perform abortion (as a correct action) regardless of the consequences. Therefore, abortion should be perceived as a right action taken by the caring women. However, the actions should be treated as ends in themselves, but not as a means to some private ends.  Another grand theory that supports pro-choice position is the theory of utilitarianism. According to this theory, an action is correct if it agrees with the law of utility. It focuses on the optimization of happiness and reduction of pain. Therefore, women should be allowed to abort if abortion maximizes happiness while reducing pain in their lives.

Answer to Q4

The Pro-life group regards a fetus as a person. They argue that life and moral status start at conception, and therefore it is immoral and unlawful to perform abortion. Thus, they claim that injustice is done to the aborted fetus. According to the theory of utilitarianism, abortion minimizes happiness enjoyed by the fetus as it maximizes their pain.

Part II: Prenatal Screening ethics

Answer to Q1

Prenatal genetic screening is concerned with professional counseling of individuals about the dangers associated with sex-linked diseases. I support genetic screening activity because it keeps the parents informed about the nature of baby they are expecting so that they can decide whether or not to abort the fetus if it is affected, uneconomical, and unwanted.

Answer to Q2

The ethical principle of autonomy provides that people should not be influenced by external forces to make decisions on whether or not to go for screening. Freedom of choice should be left to individual level. In addition, according to the principle of beneficence, the gains of treatment against the dangers and expenses concerned should be at equilibrium. In this respect, individuals should be permitted to perform screening and get rid of the pregnancy if it is uneconomical to raise the baby.

Answer to Q3

Approaching prenatal screening using the theory of utilitarianism provides that individuals can maximize happiness while minimizing pain. In this case, happiness amongst individuals is maximized by genetic screening, which tells the nature of the baby they expect. Thus, they can make an informed decision to get rid of the fetus if the consequences are pain. Another theory that supports prenatal screening is Deontology. Deontological ethics were put forth by Kant, who emphasized that individuals ought to do right actions and find explanations to justify their actions (Tannsjo, 2013). As a result, the right action according to deontology is the one that is done for the sole reason of fulfilling one’s moral duty. Therefore, individuals should be free to perform genetic screening because it is the right thing to do (a responsibility), but not to make themselves feel good.

Answer to Q4

People with opposing perspective say that justice is not given to the unborn when genetic screening is done. They argue that the fetus has life and it should be guaranteed full rights to life and care. They add that fairness and equality do not apply to the fetus when genetic screening is done. According to the theory of utilitarianism, the opposing people claim that genetic screening increases pain while decreasing happiness for the fetus.

References

Alzheimer Europe (2012). Four Common Bioethical Principles. Retrieved from http://www.alzheimer-europe.org/Ethics/Definitions-and-approaches/The-four-common-bioethical-principles/Justice

Tannsjo, T. (2013). Understanding ethics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press