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.
Contents
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
2. A review of literature on the legal, medical, ethical, theological, 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 Termination 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 that have their pregnancies terminated and health professionals working in the termination of pregnancy units
2.6 Conclusion
3. COTP counselling for health professionals and clients in the termination of pregnancy units in the public hospitals 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 working 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 Metropolitan 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)
3.4.3 Discussion of the results
3.5 Conclusion
4. The views and experiences regarding abortion of health professionals and clients in the termination of pregnancy units in the public hospitals in Mangaung Metropolitan City
4.1 Introduction
4.2 The place of ethics, values, and worldview in the termination of pregnancy
4.2.1 Definitions of ethics, values and worldview and their interrelationship
4.2.2 The definition of Christian ethics, values and worldview
4.3 The empirical research into the views and experiences of health professionals and clients at the public hospitals in Mangaung
4.3.1 Introduction
4.3.2 Results of the research among the clients
4.3.3 Results of the research among the health professionals
4.4 Discussion of the results
4.4.1 Discussion of the results of the research with the clients
4.4.2 Discussion of the results of the research with the health professionals
4.5 Conclusion
5. A biblically faithful theology of human life and whether termination of pregnancy on demand can ever be justified
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Medical and non-theological considerations in deciding when human life begins
5.3 Pro-choice theological views
5.4 Pro-life theological views
5.5 Evaluation
5.6 Conclusion
6. A pastoral intervention model for serving and guiding health professionals in the Mangaung Metropolitan City government abortion clinics and would-be or post-abortion clients
6.1 Introduction
6.2 The need for a model in the Mangaung Metropolitan City churches regarding abortion
6.2.1 The findings regarding the biblically faithful normative position on abortion
6.2.2 The findings of the empirical research and some additional reflections
6.2.3 The pastors and congregations are falling short
6.3 A model for conceptualizing how a biblically faithful operative theology regarding abortion can be achieved in the churches and residents of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
6.3.1 Introduction
6.3.2 Other effective church models
6.3.2.1 Hollinger’s model
6.3.2.2 Allen’s pastoral ministry model
6.3.3 A model for the Mangaung Metropolitan City churches
6.4 The strategic plan to achieve the model for the churches in the Mangaung Metropolitan City
6.4.1 Communicative strategy
6.4.2 Strategy for implementing the model
6.5 Summary and conclusion
7. Summary and conclusion
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Review of the objectives of the study
7.2.1 Literature survey
7.2.2 Empirical research
7.2.3 Normative position
7.2.4 Pastoral model
7.3 The argument
7.4 The findings
7.4.1 Literature survey
7.4.2 Present situation
7.4.3 Preferred situation
7.4.4 A model to move the present to the preferred situation
7.5 The limitations of the study and recommendations for further research
Research Objectives and Themes
The study aims to address the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by Christian health professionals and clients regarding abortion on demand in Mangaung Metropolitan City, South Africa. It seeks to develop a biblically faithful pastoral intervention model to serve these individuals and guide the church in responding to abortion-related crises within a pro-life theological framework.
- Legal, medical, and ethical perspectives on abortion under the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (COTP)
- Empirical research into the experiences and moral dilemmas of health professionals and clients in public abortion clinics
- Theological analysis of human life and the biblical justification for the pro-life position
- Formulation of a pastoral intervention model for churches and health practitioners
Excerpt from the Book
Medical facts and perspectives on abortion
COTP states that termination of a pregnancy means “the separation and expulsion, by medical or surgical means, of the contents of the uterus of a pregnant woman.” It needs to be noted that the Act does not deal with a spontaneous abortion in which the products of conception are lost naturally, which is also called miscarriage. Spontaneous abortion is due to medical or physiological problems such as hormonal problems or weak uterus, and this is what is referred to as a miscarriage (cf. www.megaessay.com).
The other two types of termination of pregnancy or abortion are elective and therapeutic. The following shows the difference between elective and therapeutic abortions:
An abortion is considered to be elective if a woman chooses to end her pregnancy, and it is not for maternal or fatal health reasons. Some reasons a woman might choose to have an elective abortion are: continuation of the pregnancy may cause emotional or financial hardship, the woman is not ready to become a parent, the pregnancy was unplanned, the woman is pressured into having one by her partner, parents, or others, or the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest. A therapeutic abortion is performed in order to preserve the health or save the life of a pregnant woman. A health care provider might recommend a therapeutic abortion if the foetus is diagnosed with significant abnormalities or not expected to live, or if it has died in the utero.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1: Introduction: Provides background on the ethical dilemmas within South African healthcare and defines the study’s focus on creating a pastoral intervention model.
Chapter 2: A review of literature on the legal, medical, ethical, theological, and psychological issues surrounding abortion: Examines the legislative framework of the COTP and evaluates existing research on the moral and spiritual implications of abortion.
Chapter 3: COTP counselling for health professionals and clients in the termination of pregnancy units in the public hospitals in Mangaung Metropolitan City: Describes and critiques the current counselling practices in local public hospitals against the standard of Christian pastoral care.
Chapter 4: The views and experiences regarding abortion of health professionals and clients in the termination of pregnancy units in the public hospitals in Mangaung Metropolitan City: Presents empirical findings from surveys conducted among nurses and clients, highlighting their values and ethical outlooks.
Chapter 5: A biblically faithful theology of human life and whether termination of pregnancy on demand can ever be justified: Conducts a theological exploration of life’s sanctity from conception, arguing for a biblically normative pro-life position.
Chapter 6: A pastoral intervention model for serving and guiding health professionals in the Mangaung Metropolitan City government abortion clinics and would-be or post-abortion clients: Develops a practical, ministry-oriented strategy to guide pastors in addressing abortion within their communities.
Chapter 7: Summary and conclusion: Synthesizes the research findings, objectives, and limitations while suggesting pathways for further pastoral and scholarly inquiry.
Keywords
Abortion, Mangaung Metropolitan City, pastoral intervention, Christian counselling, pro-life, COTP, ethics, worldview, moral dilemma, termination of pregnancy, biblical theology, church, health professionals, conscientious objection, crisis pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this thesis?
The thesis focuses on the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by Christian health professionals and clients involved in abortion procedures within the public healthcare sector of Mangaung Metropolitan City, South Africa.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The work integrates legal analysis of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (COTP), empirical sociological data, ethical debates, and theological reflections to address the impact of abortion on both patients and healthcare workers.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The goal is to formulate a biblically faithful pastoral intervention model that churches and pastors can use to provide counselling, support, and guidance to those struggling with the moral implications of abortion.
Which scientific methods were employed for this research?
The researcher used a descriptive survey methodology, including questionnaires administered to both health professionals (nurses) and clients in government hospitals to gather qualitative and quantitative data on their experiences and views.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main chapters provide a literature review, an analysis of current counselling practices in hospitals, a report on empirical findings from local hospitals, a theological justification for the pro-life stance, and a strategic framework for pastoral ministry.
Which keywords best describe the essence of this study?
The study is best characterized by terms such as Abortion, Pastoral Intervention, Mangaung Metropolitan City, Pro-life, Christian Counselling, Ethics, and Worldview.
How does the author interpret the legal context of abortion in South Africa?
The author discusses the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (COTP) as a liberal legislative framework that legalizes abortion on demand, creating significant tension for those holding religious convictions or pro-life views.
What specific challenge does the model address for pastors?
The model addresses the challenge of providing pastoral guidance to individuals caught in the abortion industry, helping them navigate their faith and professional responsibilities in the face of moral conflicts.
- Citar trabajo
- Moshe Montlha Musapelo (Autor), 2019, A Pastoral Intervention Model For Abortions In Mangaung Metroplitan City, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/583422
