Ethical Evaluation of Birth Control Among Seventh-day Adventist Couples in Bayelsa State

This study examined birth control among Seventh - Day Adventist (SDA) couples in Bayelsa State. Whereas this has garnered significant attention within the realm of religious communities especially among Christians, among the SDA community in Bayelsa state, the subject remains un/under explored. The study examined the ethical perspectives and decision-making processes around birth control among SDA couples in Bayelsa State. Findings indicate that while the SDA church officially accepts non-abortifacient contraception, a significant proportion of its members within Bayelsa are largely challenged by social and cultural factors leading to a pronatalist stance on the birth control. This, in turn projects significant ethical dilemmas with bio-medical and socio-economic effects on the family and society as well as reproductive and maternal health. This underscores the importance of tailored educational efforts and counseling to help SDA couples navigate these ethical dilemmas and make informed choices about family planning that align with their values and circumstances.

Keywords: birth control, couples, ethical evaluation