Pastoral considerations on abortion and sterilization

Concerns over sterlization and abortion typify our current moral dilemma. These matters begin as individual problems but rapidly expand to become pressing social concerns. The ethical, psychological, and physical factors related to sterilization in men and women are examined and a careful scrutiny of the meaning of the decision to the parties is advised. Abortion is an even more complex issue. The counselor's value system is always a part of the counseling process. Rigidity is not helpful in attempts to adjudicate conflicting rights among the child, the mother, and the father. Four alternative approaches to counseling with persons considering abortion are described.