Biomedical Ethics in the Christian Narrative

Answer

Biomedical Ethics in the Christian Narrative

Question 1

Based on the reading there are quite a number of pressing issues under the Christian narrative and Christian vision. It is however important to acknowledge that different Christian faith and worldviews define and shape the way Christians view life and aspects of health. The faith among Christians differs depending on the denomination; with some of them interpreting the Biblical scriptures differently. For instance, the world current has a quite a number of denominations such as Presbyterians, Catholics, Protestants, and Baptists among others with each having its own ideologies and beliefs. This diversity extends or manifests to the perception the believers hold when it comes to God and the concept of medication. Some will hold their beliefs in the faith of the Word of God through the powers of Jesus Christ who has the power to save and to heal. The vision therefore, exemplified in the case where Mike is at the cross road on whether to go for prayers on behalf of his son James or leave the doctor to provide treatment attested to this. Some denominations such as Catholics and the rest with exception of few believe that doctor treats but God heals and therefore, Doctors are Godsend and He uses them to promote their healing. That is the reason, they will go to church ask God to heal and at the same time take a step further to visit a medical doctor for physical treatment (Edwards, 1996).  On contrary, there are denominations such as Jehovah’s Witness opposed to blood transfusions and any other treatments that could save lives because they hold unto extreme Christian beliefs. This as well would help inform the skepticism nature of the Mike which actually contributed to the deterioration of James health prompting consideration for kidney transplant (McCormick & Min, 2012).

Furthermore, other Christian issues pressing and on display in the case study is the moral and ethical issues in deciding whether to forego treatment by the medical practitioner or opting to go by the beliefs (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2004). At the center of the issue is that the child is innocent and unable to make consent or deny. The child is at the mercy of the parent who has endangered his live. This triggers the question of ethical dilemma where it become difficult to choose from the two alternatives, as they either have ramification (Dana, 2007).

 Similarly, the other issue of ethical dilemma in the case is the decision of taking a kidney from a twin brother hence would raise issues of survival and at the same time may go against parents’ beliefs. Even though the kidney would have saved the child, parents’ spiritual beliefs would not have allowed this to happen. Even though, the health situation of the child in the case prompted the parents to flex their stance and look for a kidney donor.

Question 2

Physician has to intervene in the situation to help resolve the stalemate. Therefore, question of whether, the physicians should allow Mike to make decision that seems irrational and harmful to James is valid. Whether the physician has this audacity to intervene into the situation, requires to appreciate and understand the professional and the codes and conduct, ethical issues and professionalism involved and expected at the same time appreciating the freedoms and the rights of the patients and guardians (Gillon, 1994). Similarly, the various ethical theories provide a limelight on the expected conduct of medical practitioners when dealing with such aspects (Rae, 2009). It is important for the physician to respect the decision of the parent, however in this situation, the child cannot make the decision of whether to consent to treatment or go for church prayers. Since the laws have been enshrined, that provide the right to access to medication, the father, Mike has no authority to endanger the lives of the child and yet the condition can be treated and managed. Applying the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and respect for others come in handy empowering the physicians to help Mike reach a decisive decision. Even though respecting autonomy is giving an individual a chance to make health care decision, the physicians should not take this on face value. A physician is a perfect agent of patients and what he can do is to reinforce this by helping him by educating Mike on the value of the dialysis. Furthermore, according to Porter & Tesberg (2006), health practitioners are permitted and license to render specific kind of services and the case of James is under the scope of the physician. Similarly, Mike might be lacking knowledge about the condition and this could have played a role, hence education becomes a key aspect and a role that physicians must play well to change the perception of Mike concerning the transplant (Wolterstorff, 1994).

Further, the physician has to consider the principle of non-maleficence, which is the notion of causing harm knowingly to patients. The physicians have to use his knowledge and judgment to ensure that he does the right thing; he right thing is ensuring that James is given medication. Even though, seeking spiritual intervention is good, but in this case, the less harmful course of action is the surgery.

Beneficence, which requires medical practitioner allows doing good and the principle of justice and veracity that requires openness and adherence to professional conducts by always telling truth should guide the physicians to ensure that Mike decision does not hold, as it will make James suffer (Beauchamp & DeGrazia, 2004).  The physicians should as well be directed by virtues ethics and make the right choice even in this difficult time. Convincing the parents through deontology theories that espouse the need to always do ones duty and do it well to others the way you would want other to do to you can also help to convince Mike to loosen his stand.

Question 3

The case can be analyzed through a keen eye on multiple aspects that come to play such as Christian narrative, treatment refusal, organ donation and patient autonomy. These aspects are critical in the process of care and they have a potential to impact positively and negatively on the quality of care. The Christian narrative, as captured in the case has the potential to influence an individual to take or oppose certain kind of treatment. Mike believed in faith and healing from God. However, he doubted whether God could also use a physician to provide healing to his son. Therefore, the case, demonstrates the significance of Christian narrative and how it impacts of health care delivery. Similarly, refusal to go for treatment by the father is unethical and illegal. The child even though was in dire need of medical aid, he did not have the autonomy to exercise his will (Hope, Savulescu & Hendrick, 2003).  The aspect of organ donation is also an important one because with lack of knowledge, people can make false decisions. The father of James could have been ignorant on the health situation of his son; hence, the reason why he did not seem to take quick measure to arrest the situation of James that was deteriorating every day. This case, therefore, requires physicians to engage and educate their clients. Many people make bad decision because of lack of knowledge and misrepresentation. Similarly, the church fraternity should not focus on radicalizing their church followers to an extent of making them perceive medical services in bad light.

Question 4

Thinking about health and sickness is an individual initiative. However, Christians as part of the members of larger community even though have their own predispositions and beliefs they hold, they need to appreciate that they require to live health life and promote better living of others. The fact that they believe in supernatural being for their healing, they also must recognize and appreciate that God can perform miracles through the physicians. They have to adjust their worldviews and belief systems. They also need to appreciate and understand the God’s purpose. They have to understand that Jesus Christ is the Lord and the healer and trusting in him would not affect the medication they go through. Understanding the teaching of World of God concerning sickness and diseases will shape their perception. Further, they have to appreciate they have been called upon to serve God’s call and purpose and therefore, even if they seek medication in the name of Jesus Christ recognizing Him as the king and savior, it would not in any way affect their beliefs and faith. The bottom line is gaining in depth understanding of the key biblical narrative that includes creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. These concepts will help in understanding the aspect of health and sickness among Christians (Wolterstorff, 1994).

Hence, Mike being a Christian has to put his hope in Jesus Christ and let him carry the burden. Mike should devote himself to prayers to allow the medical processes succeed because, it is God who know every person’s destiny. Furthermore, God heals but doctors give treatment. He should therefore remain optimistic that the entire process will be fine and his son will soon recover and continue with normal health living.

When it comes to trusting God and James treatment, Mike should know that Gods’ loves one another and he heals. He therefore, should allow physicians to take care of James as he continues to trust in God. He need to understand that God wants his people to live to glorify and to worship Him. Therefore, if the physicians have a way that has empowered them, then Mike should let the will of God be done and his miracle would be manifest through the healing of his son.