 |
 |
| |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
edited by James F Keenan SJ, New York and London, Continuum, 2000 This is an extract from a review which appears in AIDS Care (2201), vol 13, no 5. |
 |
Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, the Church, in particular the Roman Catholic Church, has been widely perceived as one of the major barriers to effective HIV education and prevention. Many, if not most, AIDS educators argue that because sex frequently takes place outside marriage, widespread distribution of condoms is an essential component of programmes combating further spread of the disease. The Church, meanwhile, insists that condoms are both immoral and fallible, and that only chastity and monogamy within lifelong marriage can prevent sexual transmission of the virus. Hearing these apparently conflicting messages, many members of the public may be confused and either fail to change their behaviour or make inappropriate choices.
When confronted with the reality of many people's lives, many members of the Catholic clergy and laity are ess rigid than the hierarchy in their response. However, whether to advocate condom use or to accept extramarital sexual relations are not the only ethical facing the Church. Many others arise in pastoral work, such as questions of confidentiality and pastoral care of the sick and their dependents. Catholic Ethicists on HIV/AIDS Prevention is a valiant and generally successful attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of the many sensitive issues that can arise in this field. It is divided into two sections: 26 case studies that comprise the bulk of the book, and a seven chapter conclusion that discusses fundamental moral issues from a Catholic perspective. With some exceptions - most notably Eastern Europe, Central Asia and China - there is good global representation. And even though the majority of studies come from the developed world, the topics that arise are easily recognised in every community. |
|
| 22 December 2001 |
 |
|
Martin Foreman |