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The Moral Issues of Contraceptionand Sterilization

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao

University College of Nursing

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ContraceptionVoluntary prevention of conception Uses artificial means that prevents the union

of sperm and eggSynonymous with

Family planningPlanned parenthoodResponsible parenthoodBirth control

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of

Nursing

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Is there such a term as BIRTH CONTROL???

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Birth control is a misnomer!!!!

The birth of a baby cannot be prevented from being born or coming out once it is conceived in the womb

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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STERILIZATIONPositive use of artificial methodsCutting off the sexual capacity in a man and womanUsually done surgicallyTypes: (according to willingness)

VoluntaryInvoluntary

Types: (according to purpose or ends)TherapeuticContraceptiveEugenicSocialPunitive Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN

Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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1.Therapeutic sterilizationRemoval of part or all of the reproductive

organTo save ones life or promote bodily integrityPrinciple of totality (under natural law ethics)

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of

Nursing

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Principle of totality

An individual has the right to dispose of his organs or to destroy their capacity to function only to the

extent that the general well-being of the whole body demands it.

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Is it ethical to remove a weakened uterus?

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Is it morally justifiable to castrate a male with a tumor or cyst on his vas

deferens?

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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2. Contraceptive sterilization

Justification:1. Serious illness of either husband of wife

TB, epileptics, syphilitics and lepers

2. Probability of genetic abnormality Carrier of defective gene

3. Financial burden4. Child-bearing puts one’s health in danger

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of

Nursing

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3. Eugenic and social sterilizationPurpose of hindering the conception of

undesirable and physically or mentally unfit offspring

Social engineeringSociety free from individuals afflicted with social

diseases Grave mental defects Lepers, idiots Imbeciles Morons Insane Carriers of congenital defective genesMevelle L. Asuncion, RN

Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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4. Punitive sterilizationDone as punishment for crime or antisocial

behaviorCatholic theologians defended this under the

double effect principleThe sterilization is not “direct” since the

primary and intended effect is punishment and the contraceptive effect is therefore “indirect” or secondary

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Justifications of contraception1. Parenthood and birth are matters of moral responsibility

and intelligent choice.2. An individual should be the one to determine his/her

fertility and should be able to control his/her fecundity3. One should be able to decide how many children one is

able to bear and support4. Contraceptive technology makes men and women

persons of will and decision, and not inert and powerless bodies subject to church proscriptions or to the divine will.

5. Contraception checks the transmission of recessive disorders or genetically-linked diseases.

Genetic testing and chromosomal analysisMevelle L. Asuncion, RN

Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Methods of Contraception1. Folk methods

Precoital/Poscoital Douche Prolonged Lactation Withdrawal- coitus interruptos, coitus reservatus

2. Mechanical methods condom Diaphragm Sponge

3. Chemical methods Vaginal suppositories and tablets Vaginal jellies, creams, and foamsMevelle L. Asuncion, RN

Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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4. Hormonal methods Contraceptive pills Injections and implants

5. Abortifacients Intrauterine Device DES( diethylstilbestrol Prostaglandin Antipregnancy vaccine Low-dose of contraceptive pills

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of

Nursing

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6. Surgical methods Tubal ligation Vasectomy Hysterectomy

7. Natural or behavioral methods Rhythm or calendar method Temperature method Ovulation (Mucus) Method Sympto-thermal method Sex relations during menstruation

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of

Nursing

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Application of ethical theoriesNatural law ethics had two division

only rhythm method and abstinenceVoluntary sterilization as WRONG

UtilitarianismJustify contraception and sterilization for the

greatest happiness and benefitsPragmatism

Contraception and sterilization is practical, useful, beneficial

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing

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Thank you for listening…

Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN Central Mindanao University College of Nursing