Reference no: EM133683035

Fetal Welfare

Martha J. is a 23-year old female, who was born with PKU (phenylketonuria), an enzyme deficiency that prevents the metabolism of phenylalanine. Children born with PKU are ordinarily placed on a special diet during the early years of life (up to age 6) to prevent severe retardation. Because Martha J. was placed on this special diet in her childhood, she is not mentally challenged. Martha J. is currently four months pregnant. There is a potential problem for the fetus she is carrying due to increased risks for congenital heart disease and other disorders unless Martha J. maintains the same special diet (a low-phenylalanine intake) throughout her pregnancy. Martha J.'s religious beliefs have motivated her to decide against abortion, but she remains ambivalent about her pregnancy since the breakup of her relationship with the child's father. Dr. Samson, the obstetrician who is caring for Martha J., has repeatedly emphasized the importance of adhering to the presecribed diet, but Martha acknowledges that she has been 'inconsistent' in following the food restrictions.

Based on this limited information:

1. Decide whether Dr. Samson should encourage Martha to reconsider the possibility of an abortion, and then proceed to defend your position using major ethical concepts associated with the beginning of life and maternal rights, conflicts, questions, etc.

2. How does the idea of 'personhood' apply to this scenario and what role does 'morality' have for each individual in this case (mother, father, physician, other family, etc.)

Please help with both prompts. thank you so much in advance!!