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- The Quest for Human Dignity in the Ethics of Pregnancy Termination
The Quest for Human Dignity in the Ethics of Pregnancy Termination describes and analyzes the problem of termination of pregnancy, with special attention to its prevalence in Kenya, where more than seven hundred abortions are performed daily on girls between fifteen and seventeen years of age. Although pregnancy termination is illegal in Kenya, its practice goes on in the rural villages, in homes, in urban streets, and in private clinics. The book focuses on the ethical quest for human dignity in the context of the church's response to the challenge of termination of pregnancy. It examines the perceptions and attitudes of various cadres of Christians, such as church ministers, doctors, and lawyers, towards the problem. The book proposes ways and means by which the church in Kenya can approach the challenge of termination of pregnancy, including those pregnancies arising out of rape and incest. Findings support the current legal framework that prohibits pregnancy termination, but reveal a desire for change in the way the church deals with members who get unplanned pregnancies and those who terminate the same. The book suggests, in addition, that the church's role should emphasize counseling, teaching, and pastoral care, rather than ex-communication and public rebuke.
Tom J. Obengo is Senior Lecturer of Ethics and Apologetics at Moffat Bible College in Kijabe, Kenya where he also serves as the Vice-Principal for Academic Affairs. He is also a visiting lecturer of Medical Ethics in the Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences at Kabarak University, and an ordained minister in the Africa Inland Church. The Rev. Obengo is married to Dorothy and they have two daughters, Rebekka and Hannah.
"This critical review of the quest for human dignity in the ethical challenge of the termination of pregnancy and the evaluation of the Kenyan church's approach in this regard, is exceptionally informative. If the author's recommendations can be taken seriously, it could make a significant contribution in alleviating the appalling situation regarding abortion legislation and practices in Kenya. You can't afford not to read it!"
--Chris Jones, Christian Ethicist, Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
"Obengo is undoubtedly emerging as a significant voice on ethics at a time when the African evangelical contribution to the larger line of ethics is particularly muted. I find his present major contribution, The Quest for Human Dignity in the Ethics of Pregnancy Termination particularly bold, deep, and well researched. The conclusions are bold and the work itself a demonstration of solid and impeccable research."
--James Kombo, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor of Theological Studies, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya
"The Quest for Human Dignity in the Ethics of Pregnancy Termination is timely as it helps both the Christian and ethicist in Africa approach abortion with sobriety and redress for the 'elephant in the room.' It provides a guideline for policy framework not only for abortion with dignity, but for the whole area of sexuality. Tom's insights are a great tool that the African Christian community should adopt."
--Truphie Kwaka-Sumba, Principal, Nairobi Campus, St. Paul's University
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