Discussion Paper based on an Ethnographic Investigation

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Discussion Paper Based On an Ethnographic Investigation
Ethical Issue
Human development has necessitated the application of science in various aspects of life. the modern individual can no longer rely on the traditional ways of life and is compelled by the society to adopt civilization. However, some of the scientific technologies applied by people today elicit ethical controversy. A good example is the use of contraception to prevent pregnancy. The different methods used by couples around the world have helped in regulating population on the family level. However, the its use has also raised serious ethical concerns because some religious doctrines assert that the use of contraception is immoral and unacceptable.

Ethical Frameworks
The use of ethical frameworks can help understand the different perspectives of examining the morality of the use of contraceptives. Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that advocates for the good of the majority. According to Allan (1), Utilitarianism applies the principle of utility that requires an individual to examine the consequences of an action to the parties involved. In this case, the essence of the use of contraceptives is to avoid overpopulation which can have adverse effects on the well-being of a family and the society. Therefore, the application of ethical framework of the Utilitarianism can justify the use of contraception because it helps maintain population balance in the society.
On the other hand, the Natural Law of ethical principle focuses on the manner human beings adhere to the fundamental flow of nature.

Bamforth and Richards (77) explain that Natural Law is complex because it requires human beings to respect the natural principles as intended by God at the same time allowing human’s nature. In the issue of contraceptives, Natural Law of ethical framework would not allow human beings to interfere with the purpose of sexual intercourse, that is procreation. The use of birth control technology stops nature by taking a regular flow.
Religious Ethics
Christianity, especially Roman Catholics, do not allow the use of contraception. They argue that God’s intention for sex was procreation and not pleasure. More so, they cite the scriptures in Genesis 38:6-10, where God punished Onan because of intentionally preventing conception. Additionally, God instructed human beings to fill the earth so preventing pregnancies is against God’s will. On the other hand, Islam allows the use of contraception. They argue that if a couple agree to use contraception because of health-related issues, then it is permissible (Atighetchi 717).
Evidently, Christianity moral stand is based on natural law because it believes conceiving is natural and should not be interfered with. The Roman Catholics rely on the scriptures to make the ethical decision on the use of contraception as one of the priests informed the researcher. On the contrary, Muslims are pragmatic in their view of contraception. Even though some radical Islamists perceive the use of birth control as a western culture, the majority acknowledges its importance in preventing overpopulation.
Recommendations
From the research, it is clear that the different ethical perspectives on contraception are based on ideological principles. Christianity believes that the natural laws of God should be respected and the use of birth control only serves to object nature. Muslims also have their reservation but choose a Utilitarianism ethical approach that focuses on the effects of the action. They understand even without contraception; the society would face serious population challenges.
Based on the evidence, it is best for individuals to rely on their personal convictions when making the decision on the use of contraceptives.

Works Cited
Allan, Leslie. “Contraception and Abortion: A Utilitarian View.” < http://www. RationalRealm. com/philosophy/ethics/contraception-abortion-utilitari an-view. html (2015).
Atighetchi, Dariusch. “The position of Islamic tradition on contraception.” Med. & L. 13 (1994): 717.
Bamforth, Nicholas, and David AJ Richards. Patriarchal religion, sexuality, and gender: A critique of new natural law. Cambridge University Press, 2007.