ABSTRACT
In light of the rising number of children born outside of formal marriage, there is increasing concern about the well-being of these mothers and children, especially since they mostly come from disadvantaged populations. This study aims to determine the role religion plays in the experience of nonmarital fertility. This study draws on data from ten in-depth interviews with women in Durban, South Africa. The study found that women did not anticipate the negative impact of nonmarital fertility prior to experiencing their first birth. The main reason contributing to the experience of nonmarital fertility was the lack of sex education.Many women believed that Islam allowed only married women to use contraceptives because unmarried women are expected to practice celibacy and their religion advocates for a two-parent household. As a result, unmarried women with children found themselves often ostracised from their community. The study recommends a comprehensive sexual education regime to address the challenges associated with non-marital fertility. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[7]: 49-58).
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Religion and Sex , Fertility , Sex Education , Women , Attitude , IslamABSTRACT
Background: for several years; behaviour change has emerged at the forefront of a myriad of HIV/AIDS preventive measures. Recent evidence ranks it as one of the most effective method of HIV/AIDS prevention. Religious groups at every level have played a major role in the implementation of these programs and in the mobilisation of the youth. However; the involvement of the church has opened a chiasm of approach; mainly concerning the use of barrier and family planning methods. In a review of current literature; the paper reviews cost effectiveness and outcomes of secular and church-based behaviour change programs