Abortion: A Pastoral Intervention Model For Pastors In Mangaung Metropolitan City, South Africa

Abstract

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 abortion. 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. As a pastor, this prompted me to look at the issue of unwanted pregnancies and their termination from a theological perspective against the background of the Act and my pastoral concern. The failing family planning programme of the Department of Health has contributed to this moral controversy as some women use the termination of pregnancy as a birth control method. This study starts with a literature review to highlight the various facets and views surrounding the explosive issue of abortion on demand. This opens up 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 Managing Metropolitan City are presented. The health professionals that conduct abortions (see 4chapter 3) 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 takes into account 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 programmes, 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 to address regarding the ethical dilemma some health professionals face with reference to participation in any phase of the termination of pregnancy(intervention and nursing related to post-abortion complications).

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 abortion. 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. As a pastor, this prompted me to look at the issue of unwanted pregnancies and their termination from a theological perspective against the background of the Act and my pastoral concern. The failing family planning programme of the Department of Health has contributed to this moral controversy as some women use the termination of pregnancy as a birth control method. This study starts with a literature review to highlight the various facets and views surrounding the explosive issue of abortion on demand. This opens up 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 Managing Metropolitan City are presented. The health professionals that conduct abortions (see 4chapter 3) 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 takes into account 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 programmes, 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 to address regarding the ethical dilemma some health professionals face with reference to participation in any phase of the termination of pregnancy(intervention and nursing related to post-abortion complications).