This text looks at the issue of unwanted pregnancies and their termination from a theological perspective against the background of the Pregnancy Act 199 (COTP) and my pastoral concern. The failing family planning program of the Department of Health has contributed to this moral controversy as some women use the termination of pregnancy as a birth control method.
The termination of pregnancy in South Africa has become a controversial issue affecting communities and the health professionals since the implementation of the Choice on the Termination of Pregnancy Act 199 (COTP). This Act has imposed a moral dilemma for many health professionals and for many contemplating abortions. This has come about in that it provides for abortion on demand in the first trimester. It has also caused many Christian pastors and other citizens great concern due to the rise in the number of abortions.
This study starts with a literature review to highlight the various facets and views surrounding the explosive issue of abortion on demand. This opens the parameters within which this matter needs to be engaged. Then the details of an empirical research conducted at three designated facilities of the Department of Health in Mangaung Metropolitan City are presented
The health professionals that conduct abortions were interviewed as well as sixty clients that underwent this procedure under their service. The research investigated both groups’ experience under COTP. It explores not only the counselling side, but also reasons for abortion and related emotions and concerns of both health workers and clients.
Further, the research probes their religious views and church attachments (if any) and how they relate to this controversial issue. Then the two main theological views on termination of pregnancy on demand are considered. This part of the study seeks to arrive at a biblically normative position. It considers the biblical worldview and the high view it places on human life. It concludes that the pro-life position, Christian morals and moral regeneration, and family planning should be central programs, and are crucial in dealing with abortion on demand.
Finally there is a formulation of a pastoral intervention model for the pastors in the churches in Mangaung Metropolitan City with some attention to recommendations for the Department of Health.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION..
- 1.1 BACKGROUND
- 1.2 RESEARCH PROBLEM AND QUESTION
- 1.3 RESEARCH SUB-QUESTIONS
- 1.4 LITERATURE.
- 1.5 THE VALUE OF THE STUDY.
- 1.6 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS/TOOLS
- 1.6.1 Research design..
- CHAPTER 2: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE ON THE LEGAL, MEDICAL, ETHICAL,\nTHEOLOGICAL, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES SURROUNDING ABORTION ....
- 2.1 INTRODUCTION.
- 2.2 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, No 108 OF 1996 AND THE CHOICE ON\nTERMINATION OF PREGNANCY ACT, No 92 OF 1996 (COTP).
- 2.3 MEDICAL FACTS AND PERSPECTIVES ON ABORTION.....
- 2.4 ETHICAL AND THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ABORTION.
- 2.5 THE IMPACT OF ABORTION ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL WELLBEING OF THOSE\nTHAT HAVE THEIR PREGNANCIES TERMINATED AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN THE\nTERMINATION OF PREGNANCY UNITS....
- 2.6 CONCLUSION
- CHAPTER 3: COTP COUNSELLING FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND\nCLIENTS IN THE TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY UNITS IN THE PUBLIC\nHOSPITALS IN MANGAUNG METROPOLITAN CITY
- 3.1 INTRODUCTION
- 3.2 WHY THE AVAILABILITY OF COUNSELLING IS IMPORTANT.
- 3.2.1 Introduction.
- 3.2.2 Abortion is a crisis event for the client.
- 3.2.3 The spiritual and/or psychological stresses health professionals experience while\nworking in the termination of pregnancy units..
- 3.3 PRESENTATION AND CRITIQUE OF THE COUNSELLING PROVIDED IN COTP
- 3.3.1 Counselling specified in COTP
- 3.3.2 Definitions of counselling (including Christian counselling).
- 3.3.3 A counselling definition most suited in the abortion context...
- 3.3.4 Evaluation of counselling in COTP.
- 3.4 THE EMPIRICAL RESEARCH INTO THE COUNSELLING AT THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN MANGAUNG\nMETROPOLITAN CITY.
- 3.4.1 Design and methods of the research..
- 3.4.3 Results of the research....
- 3.4.3.1 Results of the research among the clients.
- 3.4.3.2 Results of the research among the health professionals (nurses)...
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis seeks to examine the controversial issue of abortion in South Africa, specifically focusing on the impact of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 1996 (COTP) on communities and health professionals in Mangaung Metropolitan City. It aims to explore the ethical and theological perspectives on abortion, analyze the counselling provided within the context of the COTP, and develop a pastoral intervention model for pastors to address the moral dilemmas surrounding the issue.
- The impact of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 1996 (COTP) on communities and health professionals in Mangaung Metropolitan City.
- The ethical and theological perspectives on abortion.
- The effectiveness of counselling provided within the context of the COTP.
- The development of a pastoral intervention model for pastors to address the moral dilemmas surrounding abortion.
- The role of family planning and moral regeneration in reducing the prevalence of abortion.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1 introduces the research problem, which revolves around the moral dilemmas faced by health professionals and pastors regarding abortion in the context of the COTP. It outlines the study's objectives, research design, and the value of the research in addressing the ongoing debate surrounding the issue.
Chapter 2 delves into a comprehensive review of literature, encompassing legal, medical, ethical, theological, and psychological perspectives on abortion. It examines the COTP and its provisions, explores the medical facts and perspectives on abortion, and analyzes the ethical and theological arguments for and against abortion.
Chapter 3 presents an empirical research study conducted at three designated health facilities in Mangaung Metropolitan City. It investigates the counselling provided to both health professionals and clients undergoing abortion procedures, exploring the effectiveness of the counselling and the impact of abortion on both groups. The chapter examines the religious views and church attachments of participants, providing valuable insights into the social and religious contexts surrounding the issue.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This thesis focuses on the key topics of abortion, the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 1996 (COTP), pastoral intervention, ethical dilemmas, theological perspectives, counselling, and the impact of abortion on both health professionals and clients. It explores the intersection of these topics within the context of Mangaung Metropolitan City in South Africa, highlighting the complexities of the issue and offering potential solutions for addressing the challenges surrounding abortion.
- Quote paper
- Moshe Montlha Musapelo (Author), 2019, A Pastoral Intervention Model For Abortions In Mangaung Metroplitan City, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/583422
