Genetics Case Study Thoughts and Essay

However, to me, the most important consideration for an advocate is to make sure and listen to the family. Given more information, they may change their mind about continuing the pregnancy. If I remain their advocate after birth, they may make a decision not to provide a feeding tube or other medical interventions. I need to ensure that I understand that position, instead of making assumptions about their beliefs and attitudes, in order to advocate for them.

The primary legal consideration that effects the couple's decision to continue the pregnancy is that there are limitations on late-term abortions. While they probably want time to thoroughly evaluate their options, and might later come to the conclusion that an abortion would have been a better option for them, the window of opportunity for that choice is a narrow one. It is critical that the Trosacks understand this situation. To me, the primary ethical consideration is not one directly involving their choice not to terminate the pregnancy. I think it would be difficult to argue that it was ever unethical to keep a consensually-conceived child. However, the scenario does suggest an ethical issue. Peter is described as angry and in denial, while Rita is described as feeling very guilty. To me, that raises the concern that Rita's choice to keep the pregnancy may not be the one she would make without Peter's influence. While both of their needs should be considered, Rita is the patient, and I believe that, ethically, team members need to have some meetings with her without Peter present, not to influence her decision, but to ensure that the team is carrying out the…