Principles
Based on the Christian worldview (Beaucamp T Childress J 2013), the four principles can be ranked in a given order considering individual faith. However, the most preferred order by many is Autonomy, justice, beneficence, and lastly, no maleficence.
First, the illness itself is autonomous, and physicians should act in an obvious and open manner. Patients or whoever responsible may be in apposition to know and understand the level of risk or benefit of every step taken in any medical process. An autonomous person has the ability to act deliberately in a given manner, and a Christian (by use of freedom given by God) has such privilege to make beneficial decisions in any given situation.
Secondly, justice applies that one as a right of receiving quality medical care based on the needs of the ones. Besides, people’s rights should be respected and treated in a dignified way within acceptable laws. In case of a situation where parents or guardian is reluctant to offer a minor proper medical attention based on faith (e.g., Mike and Joanne), the concerned physician can use available federal law to give the minor in question necessary medication attention to save a life.
Thirdly, the principle of beneficence is mostly applied by physicians. In our case study, the doctor’s main goal is to provide the best health care service to their patient (James) without considering their belief. All Christians in the world expect and hope for good quality services in all matters to enhance their well-being and serve their Master God in the right manner.
Finally, like every human being, Mike and Joanne, as Christians, would wish to receive quality health services for their Son (James) without any harm from the medical practitioner. This principle requires one as a medical officer to balance what is morally acceptable and your responsibility as a physician. No wrong should be done or planned; the practitioner should intend only good results. The wrong procedure should not be used to achieve good results, and the good outcome should at all times overshadow bad results.