2. CONFORMITY TO THE RULES OF RIGHT CONDUCT; MORAL OR VIRTUOUS CONDUCT MORALITY :
3. SITUATIONWhat is known about the situation? Diana and her husband are trying to conceive their second child. Diana is raped while interviewing a thesis subject in his home. Diana is in her point of maximum conception. If conception is achieved, Diana has no certainty of the father’s identity. The “morning after” pill is offered to Diana in the ED after her forensic exam is completed. Diana must decide to either accept or decline the medicine.
4. What factors preclude her decision? Most pro-life advocates believe that contraception precautions should be taken prior to exposure, though in this case it was unanticipated. People are undecided as to whether or not the “morning after” pill is actually contraception or an abortifacient. Research regarding this topic can be misleading and confusing as the “experts” are yet to clearly define what conception actually involves…fertilization vs. implantation. Moral and religious views affect consideration of this as an option.
5. Continued… Diana’s husband is a key participant…what are his thoughts regarding the possibility of the baby belonging to the man who has traumatized his wife? Can the decision to decline the meds be one that they agree on wholeheartedly? Can he love Diana and support her in this decision despite the unknown? Is the chance of the baby being already “conceived” enough to prevent them from considering this alternative measure?
6. Trauma and Time Constraints Diana has just been terrorized and violated by a stranger. She has been interrogated by the police and systematically examined for evidence to support her claims. She has had only minimal time with her husband to even process this life crisis…now she is being offered a drug to end the potential formation of a much wanted baby or the product of a horrific encounter…and the clock is ticking…the emergency contraception being offered works best within 72 hours post coitus. Should Diana make this decision with so little time to process cause/effect/circumstance/outcome/morality? Points to consider: pregnancy rates among rape victims of child bearing age are around 5% and half who become pregnant have abortions.
7. What is Diana’s decision? Diana, with combined strength and encouragement from her husband decides to decline the meds. She does not want to compound the situation further by making a decision that would shatter her belief system. She decides to not compromise her beliefs, to hold onto her faith and use this as a sourceof strength in the event pregnancy ensues. Diana calls for her pastor and her support systems to reaffirm her decision.
8. Biblical Substantiation Before I formed you in the womb…I knew you. Jeremiah 1:5 For this child I have prayed…1 Samuel 1:27 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
9. In Closing… Most people have beliefs that are imbedded. These beliefs do not change, even if the circumstance or situation changes. Most people decide to decide. Some people simply believe that life begins at the beginning. What do you believe…?
