Getting Started
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Jeremiah 1:5
Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.
Isaiah 49:1
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Psalms 139:13-15
As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
Luke 1:44
Resources
Reading: Rae, S. (2018). Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics, Zondervan. *direct request from OCLS
Video: What determines a Person’s Value?
Website: NASW Code of Ethics (2021)
Video: An OBGYN Answers Questions about Abortion, All the Things Podcast, #128
Background Information
To say the least, abortion, reproductive issues, and euthanasia are controversial in the United States and are among the most polarizing issues to discuss with others. Further, most people have an almost automatic gut level reaction on one side or the other to the subjects of abortion or euthanasia, making them difficult to consider objectively. However, social workers must face the issues of abortion and other moral and ethical issues related to the value of life regularly in practice settings whether in clinical and direct practice or at the policy level and cannot avoid engaging with these issues. Christians should also consider issues related to reproduction and the beginning and end of life and seek a deeper understanding of the underlying issues applying Biblical principles and perspectives as they consider moral implications for individuals and culture and identify how to engage these issues ethically in practice.
In this devotional you will reflect on issues related to reproduction, abortion, and other ethical issues at the beginning of life and the value of human life in general and how your values and beliefs will impact your practice.
Pray
God, as your word says in Psalm 139, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. As the eternal and sovereign Creator, you knew me before I was born and made me in your image. In dying on the cross for our sin, you demonstrated the value and worth that all people have in your sight. God teach me to value the dignity of all your image bearers, especially those most vulnerable as I represent you on earth. Amen.
Instructions
Read Chapter 5, Ethics at the Beginning of Life, part 1, in Moral Choices (Rae, 2018).
Watch Video: (https://youtu.be/VTVhYO42c_0)
Watch: (https://youtu.be/h9_mHIeNrkk)
Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following prompts. Be sure to cite course resources in your answers in APA style and format.
How and why is the issue of personhood and when it begins essential to the issue of abortion as explained by Rae (2018)? How does the issue of full personhood also apply or become an ethical issue when it comes to people with severe disabilities, diminished cognitive functioning or the elderly and frail? Give an example an explain how what one assumes and believes about the issue of personhood will affect ethical decision-making.
Many people have strong opinions about issues of reproduction, abortion, or euthanasia. Based on the reading material and videos, describe a strong reaction you had to the content (positive or negative). Identify the idea you reacted to and explain why you think you had that reaction? What personal experiences or assumptions did it trigger or challenge for you? What challenges might this raise for you when working with these issues in areas where you agree or disagree?
The Bible is clear that all human life matters to God including women in distress, preborn children, the disabled and the elderly whom social workers frequently serve. Social workers are also ethically called to value the dignity and worth of all persons (NASW, 2021). With this in mind, give an example of how this creates moral and ethical dilemmas for social workers working in situations where there are competing interests regarding the value or the dignity and worth of one or more individuals or groups over another. When the value and dignity and worth of more than one person (including the preborn) is involved in an ethical decision, discuss how the ethic of the dignity and worth of all person’s should be used in practice, justifying your response with other important principles and values from the Code of Ethics.
Finally, identify and describe one other important or new insight you gained from the reading and videos. How will this knowledge or insight help you to think about these issues as a Christian or social worker? How does it affect your current views or thoughts on working with others around these issues?
Your postings also should:
Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.
Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.
Provide clarification to classmates’ questions and provide insight into the discussion.
