Question 4 – Answer
Question 4 - Which of the following approaches is the best to use in deciding
among the available options? You Chose:
The BEST response for Question 4 is A.
Why is A the best answer?
A is the best response because prenatal diagnosis can demonstrate respect for
responsible parenthood by enabling parents preparation time for forthcoming parental
challenges. Catholic health care ministry is rooted in a commitment to promoting
and defending responsible parenthood and universal human dignity, including that
of the fetus. This ministry is grounded in an attitude of respect and a general
practice of protection which is further defined as an effort to nourish, support
and protect both mother and fetus.
B is not strictly inaccurate, but it is not appropriate for health care professionals
to dictate or make demands on patients concerning their moral obligations. It
is preferable to emphasize what the health professional views as his or her personal
and professional ethical obligations so that the patient can make an informed
choice about providers.
C is not accurate because patient autonomy is a strong negative right.
That is, competent patients have a right to refuse any and all treatment for themselves.
Patient autonomy, however, does not require health care professionals to provide
procedures that patients demand if the provider determines that the treatment
contradicts the caregiver’s clinical or ethical standards
Background
Ethical
and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, Fourth Edition. Directive
50.
Humanae Vitae, para. 10
Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, Instruction on Respect for Human Life
in its Origin and on the Dignity of Procreation, (2/22/1987), Origins 16;40 (Mar.19,
1987), p. 702.

|