Relativism and Rights: Cultural Relativism, Divine Command Theory, and Women's Rights in Medical Ethics
Overview
This essay examines the case of a teenager in the Dominican Republic denied chemotherapy due to abortion restrictions, analyzing how cultural relativism and divine command theory justify such decisions while failing to protect women's fundamental rights. The paper argues that both theoretical frameworks privilege cultural and religious values over individual human rights and bodily autonomy.
What this essay covers
- Dominican Republic's constitutional framework and religious values regarding abortion
- Cultural relativist perspective on respecting local practices and constitutional law
- Doctors' decision to withhold chemotherapy in alignment with cultural values
- Comparison between cultural relativism and divine command theory approaches
- Critique of both theories for neglecting women's rights and protection from harm
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Relativism and Rights
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Relativism and Rights
Question One
The laws of the Dominican Republic reflect a deeply divine nation that subscribes to deep cultural and religious values. With the constitution of the country outlawing abortion, it means that the nation has faith in religious teachings that do not allow for discrimination (Romo, 2012). Besides, when it comes to the country's cultural values, it is evident that the country's governance structure believes in respect to humanity no matter how small it is. Moreover, the laws of the Dominican Republic demonstrate that the nation values doing what is morally correct and would deal with any eventuality after that as the case of the teenager who passed because of delayed medical attention.
Question Two
A cultural relativist would view the unfortunate case of the girl who was denied an abortion and later died with fair judgment. Cultural relativists believe that there should be respect to practices, values, and beliefs of others as per their culture. Then they would not negatively judge the failure of authorities in the Dominican republic to offer chemotherapy (Lockhart & Franzwa, 2019 ). Also, a cultural relativist would respect the laws of the people of the Dominican Republic as that is what is in the constitution and which represents the values, practices, and beliefs of the nation.
Question Three
Cultural relativists would have no other choice but to agree with the decision of the doctors. In not offering chemotherapy service to the pregnant girl, doctors understood it would terminate her pregnancy.