Attitudes Towards Abortion and Their Implications Towards Good Health and Well-being Among Catholic Members of the Central Deanery of Kitui Diocese

Abstract

This article explores how the Roman Catholic Church's (RCC) teaching that all life is sacred from conception until natural death influences members' attitudes towards taking innocent human life, whether unborn or born. The study examines attitudes towards abortion among Catholic members of the Central Deanery of Kitui Diocese. The research employed a mixed-methods design to gather detailed qualitative and quantitative data from the sampled population. A case study approach was used to enhance the validity and credibility of the qualitative and quantitative data obtained. This method enables a comprehensive exploration of the complex social and cultural factors that shape attitudes towards abortion within the Catholic community. The study is guided by social contract theory. Data were collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires, and a review of relevant literature. The analysis provides insights into attitudes towards abortion in relation to good health and well-being among parishioners. It highlights how different perspectives on religiosity, religion, and spirituality influence attitudes towards abortion and their impact on spiritual, legal, and medical dimensions. The study contributes to contemporary social contract theory by showing that members of society have reasons to endorse and adhere to the fundamental social rules, laws, institutions, and principles. Social contract theory holds that (moral, political, legal, etc.) rules can be rationally justified and are significant for individual and societal well-being. Like political authority and legitimacy, religious authority and legitimacy arise from implicit and explicit agreements among the faithful to form a religious community to secure mutual protection, order, and the common good. In this context, the social teachings of the RCC and Kenyan law inform the attitudes of individuals who choose to abide by them. It can be concluded that, as social animals, humans welcome initiatives that involve them in addressing societal challenges with knowledge and understanding. Good health and well-being are common goods that underpin the social teachings of the RCC and therefore shape attitudes towards abortion.