CHAPTER 7

Ethics and Premarital Sex- Ethics and Abortion

I. Introduction
This module introduces the articulation of a precise and comprehensive definition of
Virtue Ethics within the context of premarital sex and abortion, delving into the ethical
considerations and philosophical foundations that shape individual’s moral perspectives
in these contentious domains.
II. Learning Objectives
1. Define virtue ethics, premarital sex and abortion
2. Understand the philosophical foundations of virtue ethics within the context of
premarital sex and abortion
3. Comprehend the ethical aspects and virtue ethics related to premarital sex and
abortion including personal values, societal norms and religious beliefs.
III. Module Structure Using the TORCH Model
1. Trigger the Desire for Teaching and Learning
Activity: Question-and-Answer-portion
 Begin with a simple question to assess pre-service teachers’ understanding of
virtue ethics, how do they define premarital sex and abortion.
 Start a short discussion of the lesson where students could share their
thoughts on the importance of teaching and learning ethics within the context
of premarital sex and abortion.
2. Observation for Clarifications
Activity: Analyzing Case Studies
 Provide several case studies or real-life scenarios that involve ethical
considerations related to premarital sex and abortion.
 Observe and do further discussions about the cases with educators or
professionals to deepen their understanding of ethical dilemmas in these
areas.
3. Realizations Through Reflections
Activity: Reflective Essay
 Encourage pre-service teachers to write a reflective essay on the lesson.
 Collect and analyze students’ reflections, feedback and responses to gain
insights into their understanding, perspectives and engagement with the
subject matter.
4. Confirmation of Passion
Activity: Group Discussions
  Participate in group discussions with fellow educators or professionals to
reflect on the lesson about ethics and premarital topics. Share teaching
experiences, insights, challenges and best practices to learn from others and
improve your teaching strategies.
5. Habituate to Perpetuate
Activity:
Engaging in open and respectful discussions about premarital sex and
abortion can help foster understanding and empathy.

Definitions of Terms:
What is Abortion?
•Abortion is described as the expulsion of the products of conception before the
embryo or fetus is viable. Any interruption of human pregnancy prior to the 28th
week of gestation or the delivery of a fetus weighing less than 500 grams is known
as abortion.
Spontaneous Abortion (Miscarriage)
•This is defined as the delivery of a nonviable embryo or fetus (the fetus cannot
survive) before the 20th week of pregnancy due to fetal or maternal factors.
Recurrent spontaneous abortion- the occurrence of three or more consecutive losses of
clinically recognized pregnancies prior to the 20th week of gestation (Immunological
reactions, in which maternal antibodies mistake the fetus for foreign tissue, have been
implicated in recurrent, or habitual spontaneous abortions).
It is estimated that at least 20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage (estimates range
from 15% to 75%). Most occur in the first two weeks after conception, and in many
cases the mother is not aware of the pregnancy.
Therapeutic Abortion
• This procedure is performed to preserve the health or life of the mother. It can be
induced for medical reasons or an elective decision to end the pregnancy (eg.prevent
the birth of a deformed child or a child conceived as a result of rape or incest).
Elective (Induced) Abortion
• Defined as a procedure intended to terminate a suspected or known intrauterine
pregnancy and to produce a nonviable fetus at any gestational age(CDC, 2010),
deemed necessary by the woman carrying it and performed at her request.
• Techniques used in those days were non-surgical; most common methods used
were either dosing the pregnant woman with a near- fatal amount of poison so that a
 miscarriage could occur, or letting poison directly into the uterus with one of a variety
of " long needles, hooks, and knives."
•Attitudes toward abortion became more liberal in the 20th cent. By the 1970s,
abortion had been legalized in most European countries and Japan; as well as in the
United States, under a 1973 Supreme Court ruling which took precedence over state
laws that banned abortion. However, there were restrictions in the legislation for later
stage abortions.
Abortion & the Laws of Guyana
•Prior to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, the performance of abortions in
Guyana was found to be illegal under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act. The 1995
Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act was passed so as to preserve or enhance
both the dignity and the sanctity of "life" by decreasing the incidence of induced
abortion to enhance the attainment of "safe motherhood" by the elimination of
deaths and complications stemmed from unsafe abortion. To specifically stipulate
the circumstances in which a woman is granted termination of her pregnancy.
Counselling
•The Act states with regards to counselling, that any female seeking treatment for the
termination of her pregnancy must undergo both pre and post abortion counselling.
•The pregnant woman is also expected to wait for a 48 hour time period after she has
made a request for medical termination of pregnancy to facilitate these requirements or
regulations.
Laws Regarding A Woman's Termination of Pregnancy
• The Act distinctly states four different time periods; all of which carry separate
regulations that must be abided or adhered to before termination of the pregnancy can
lawfully take place. These time periods include:
Termination of pregnancy of NOT more than eight (8) weeks
• Termination of pregnancy of MORE than eight weeks (8) but NOT more than
twelve (12) weeks
• Termination of pregnancy of MORE than twelve weeks (12) but NOT more than
sixteen (16) weeks
Termination of pregnancy of MORE than sixteen (16) weeks
Termination of pregnancy of NOT more than eight (8) weeks
■ The treatment for the termination of a pregnancy of not more than eight weeks by
the use of any other "lawful" method outside that of surgical procedures must at all
times be administered or supervised by a medical practitioner.
■ However, it is not necessary for this termination process to be carried out in an
approved institution such as hospitals or clinics.
2nd month (8 weeks)
Termination of pregnancy of MORE th eight weeks (8) but NOT more than twelve
weeks
This must also be administered by a medical practitioner or an assistant under the
supervision of an authorised medical practitioner. In this case, however it is
mandatory that this termination process takes place within an approved institution.
Additionally, the treatment regarding the termination of a pregnancy can only be
administered if:
• It is an institution approved for that particular purpose The medical practitioner
administering the treatment believes that the continuance of pregnancy would
involve risk to the pregnant woman or may be of grave injury to her physical or
mental health.

Key concepts in abortion and premarital sex are complex and often vary based
on cultural, religious, and philosophical perspectives.
Abortion:
1. Right to Life: One key ethical consideration in abortion is the debate over when
life begins and whether the fetus has a right to life.
2. Women's Autonomy: The ethical principle of autonomy asserts that women have
the right to make decisions about their own bodies, including the choice to have an
abortion.
3. Quality of Life: Some ethical discussions around abortion involve considerations
of the quality of life for the mother, the fetus, and potential future children.
4. Medical Ethics: Healthcare providers also face ethical dilemmas regarding their
role in providing or refusing abortion services based on personal beliefs.
Premarital Sex:
1. Sexual Ethics: Premarital sex raises questions about the ethical implications of
sexual activity outside of marriage, often influenced by religious beliefs and cultural
norms.
2. Consent: Ethical considerations around premarital sex emphasize the importance
of informed consent, respect for boundaries, and the prevention of coercion or harm.
3. Personal Values: Individuals may consider their own values, beliefs, and the
impact of their actions on themselves and others when engaging in premarital sex.
4. Relationship Dynamics: Ethical discussions may also focus on the impact of
premarital sex on relationships, trust, and emotional well-being.

References:

"Ethical Issues in Abortion" by The American College of Obstetricians and

Gynecologists. Link
"Premarital Sex and the Church: Ethical Considerations for Pastoral Counseling" by
D. Paul Hartwig. Link
Journal References:
"The ethical case against sex-selective abortion isn’t simple" -
"Ethics and Abortion" - The Hastings Center.