Quality of Life With Disabilities

A woman learns that the baby girl she is carrying is thought to have Down’s Syndrome and possibly other minor physical abnormalities. She is told, although the child will be born with disabilities, the child will have a good chance at an otherwise relatively long and healthy life. The mother states that any disability is NOT normal, that she does NOT want her baby to suffer and she wants an abortion because she only wants a perfect baby boy.

• Would you respect the mom’s wishes? Why or Why not?
• What would influence your decision?
• What are your treatment options for this mom? What are the options for the baby?
• What if the mom is not willing to consider any of the options you present?
• What if the dad disagrees with the mom’s decisions?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)