Sexual Ethics in a Time of AIDS: Implications for a Person-Centered Moral Education

Abstract

In a world where a woman is controlled on the one hand, by the social teaching tape ‘you must submit to your husband,’ and on the other hand, by the church’s teaching on ‘abstinence’ and ‘fidelity;’ where at the same time many men neither abstain nor stay faithful to their partners; what might an authentic sexual ethics be like; one that does justice to the woman as well as the man; not just the man alone? To be able to meet the ethical challenges posed by HIV and AIDS especially with regard to sexuality and people’s reproductive rights, conscience formation is essential. The formation of conscience involves more than knowledge of rules. Facts, values and skills are not enough for resolving a moral dilemma. A person’s moral character as well as what and how they choose, also go into the formation of conscience. For this reason, the challenge posed by the reality of HIV to discordant couples requires a closer look and more empathetic responses than are available at the moment. The habits people have formed, the principles they have learned and relevant facts on all sides can contribute to making informed decisions in consonance with their faith, convictions as well as their situation. The current pattern of sexual submission needs to be revised toward equality in partnership.

Key words: moral education, conscience formation, HIV status, human sexuality, discordant couples, sexual ethics.