biology project 1 (1)

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Oral Roberts University *

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Medicine

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Feb 20, 2024

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Project 1: Adolescent Autonomy, Religious Freedom, and Medical Decision Making Case study one, “Boy dies after refusing transfusion over religion,” which is a case where a 14-year-old boy died because he refused a blood transfusion because of his religious beliefs (Ostrum, 2007). Even though he along with everyone knew having Leukemia and receiving the required blood transfusion would ultimately give him a higher chance of survival, the judge still allowed him to refuse treatment. As a Christian myself, autonomy is essential, but it should be balanced with stewardship over one’s body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Although the boy’s autonomy was respected by the judge, this decision may have been made without considering the Christian perspective on life and stewardship. Instead, it reflects a secular understanding of rights. Overall, it's best to counsel and educate people so they can make decisions that are in line with Christian values, but force should be avoided. When discussing case study two, “Religious Freedom vs. Preservation of life,” it’s about a case where parents were charged with child neglect because 16-year-old Jehovah’s witness also refused a blood transfusion because of religious beliefs, which resulted in death caused by diabetes type l (Altoona, 2001). Coming from a Christian’s perspective, preserving life is paramount, but respecting religious beliefs is important as well (Romans 14:5). However, it’s a parent’s job to ensure the well-being of their child and give them the help that is needed including medical treatments. The tension that is between religious freedom and the duty to preserve life, was demonstrated with the judge’s decision to charge the parents with child neglect. Case study three, “Supreme Court rules 17-year-old cancer patient must have chemo,” which is about a 17-year-old with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma who was forced to undergo

chemotherapy even though they preferred alternative treatments instead (ABC News, 2015). From the perspective of a Christian, it’s believed that everyone should have the right to research and test alternative treatments, but decisions should be based on informed choices along with the best interests of the patient (Proverbs 3:5-6). Although alternative treatments should be explored, the patient should be evaluated based on scientific evidence. In conclusion, the rights of legal adults and adolescents to choose non-FDA approved or alternative therapies and to reject treatments based off religious beliefs presents significant ethical challenges while navigating the complicated world of medical decision-making. From a Christian perspective, it is crucial to find a balance between the pursuit of healing through science and medicine and believe in miracles. Although faith is extremely important, integrating spiritual and medical interventions requires careful decision-making. Determining the boundary between prayer and medicine requires thoughtful consideration of personal beliefs, moral principles, and the sanctity of life. In the end, the ethical framework that informs these choices is based on stewardship and compassion and integrates individuality and religious freedom. Works Cited Ostrom, C. M. (2007, November 29). Mount Vernon Leukemia patient, 14, dies after rejecting transfusions . The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/mount- vernon-leukemia-patient-14-dies-after-rejecting-transfusions/

Altoona , W. D. (2001, June 24). Her Dying Prayers. https://oruedu-my.sharepoint.com/personal/onlineid_oru_edu/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx? id=%2Fpersonal%2Fonlineid%5Foru%5Fedu%2FDocuments%2FORU%2FFaculty %20Guides%20Completed%2FGeneral%20Education%2FLBIO%20101%20OL %20Principles%20of%20Biology%20Lecture%2FHandouts%2FUnit%201%2FDowell %20%282001%29%20Her%20Dying%20Prayers%2Epdf&parent=%2Fpersonal %2Fonlineid%5Foru%5Fedu%2FDocuments%2FORU%2FFaculty%20Guides %20Completed%2FGeneral%20Education%2FLBIO%20101%20OL%20Principles%20of %20Biology%20Lecture%2FHandouts%2FUnit%201&ga=1 ABC News Network. (2015, January 8). Conn. Supreme Court Rules 17-Year-Old Cancer Patient Must Have Chemo . ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/conn-supreme- %20court-rules-17-year-cancer-%20patient/story?id=28093594 The holy bible: Containing the old and new testaments; translated out of the original tongues and with the former translations diligently compared and revised . (1986). . American Bible Society

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biology project 1 (1)

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