Question

Jean has her first child at age 14. By the time she is 30, she has five children ranging in age from 5 to 16 years old. Married and divorced twice, she has spent 11 years living on Aid for Dependent Children. During the past five years, however, she has been working in a rehabilitation center, taking courses, and advancing on the job, even though she has no degree. In the process of all this, Jean discovers that she is intelligent and capable of controlling her own life. She is also aware of her mistakes and is determined to prevent her children from making the same mistakes she has made. When she notices her 16-year-old becoming overly interested in boys, she enrolls her in a state-supported boarding school for poor families. Despite this, the daughter becomes pregnant. Jean foresees another child at home, a daughter without education and work, and the start of another cycle of Aid for Dependent Children. Moreover, tests reveal that the child will have cystic fibrosis and will pose additional burdens on the family. Certainly, such a child will have no chance of adoption. Jean’s dream of self-sufficiency appears doomed. She brings all this up at the physician’s office while she has a bad case of the flu.

The patient is asking for both medical and moral advice. What can the physician say? Who is responsible for answering the moral questions? Should the presence of cystic fibrosis affect the decision?

Answer 1

The physician can provide medical advice, but moral advice is subjective. The presence of cystic fibrosis should be taken into consideration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The physician can provide medical advice and guidance to Jean given her current situation, such as discussing contraception options or the possibility of prenatal testing for cystic fibrosis.

However, when it comes to moral advice, the responsibility lies with the individual and their personal beliefs and values. It is important for Jean to consider her own values, the well-being of her existing children, and the potential challenges of raising a child with cystic fibrosis. She may also seek guidance from a therapist or counselor who can help her navigate these difficult decisions.

The presence of cystic fibrosis can certainly affect the decision, as it presents additional challenges and responsibilities. Jean may need to consider the impact on her own physical and mental health, as well as the financial strain and emotional toll it may take on her family. However, ultimately it is up to Jean to make the best decision for herself and her children.