We are now facing the leprosy of our century—AIDS/HIV. Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which corrupts the immune system as Human
Immunodeficiency Virus spreads. And from Aristotle to St. Thomas Aquinas to
Immanuel Kant, the basic ethical question still remains: What ought we to do?
Thus, we are left to a more concrete ethical question: What ought we to do
facing the AIDS, or its virus, HIV?
Human sexuality is a constitutive
dimension of human personality. In religious perspective, God has created it.
However, these first humans had committed sins and the whole creation was
negatively affected by it, including human sexuality. But then, through the
salvation of Jesus Christ, human personality is redeemed and also human
sexuality. As created and redeemed, human sexuality is good. Likewise, sex must
be a language of life and love. Its actuation must be open to life and be an
expression of true love. The problem is, man or woman abuses it. Thus, becomes
(its abuse) an evil. As the misuse of human sexuality arises, the devastating
consequences go along as well. Unfortunately, the virus does not affect human
cells only. It places under question the way of viewing life, death, love,
time, sex, oneself and others.
I.
“Mejor prevenir que curar”- it is better to prevent than to cure.
Prevention must be the absolute weapon against AIDS. As I look at it, the only
prevention I see is manifested through an integral education; integral
education through which a person becomes autonomous and relational. It
therefore implies a moral education which in turn entails sex education.
Sex
education
There is still an unending issue whether
to pass the sex education or not (particularly in the Philippines). With that,
the acquisition of correct information has been overtly hindered. The result, an
unending increment of HIV victims as well. And worse, the lepers of this
disease are youth ranging 15-24 years old.
Prevention of AIDS begins with
correct information to avoid useless anxieties and false security. We must
unmask false security through proper integral sex education, which continues
with the right moral education. Like for example the false security of using
condoms. The principal reason against the use of condoms is that, it may
promote the main cause of HIV. The public gives an impression that usage of
condoms favors promiscuity in sexual relations. Without the true knowledge
about this, the false outlook will remain.
But how can we obtain such proper education if the receivers of
this knowledge close- mindedly refuse it firsthand? This is a problem. I think
what we ought to do first is an enlightenment. What we need is an open mind. As
long as the minds of these young continue to adhere to a false perspective, the
education needed for prevention will always be beyond reach. We must be open to
different perspectives through a journey towards ethical maturity. By the way
of a genuine education that goes beyond mere information and training, with an
inculcation of good principles we can established this knowledge to people.
Sex education is urgently needed,
particularly among the young. Rather, proper integral sex education should be
at hand.
The moral way to realize love
through sexuality is the way of chastity. Chastity is connected with the important
cardinal virtue of temperance. It regulates sexual pleasures within limits of
right reason and faith. As I see it, after such education, a chaste and
disciplined behavior is needed for prevention. In a wider perspective, the
general solution to the prevention of AIDS is the general solution to the basic
problems of morality and immorality; that is a virtuous life- a prudent,
temperate, just and courageous life. In addition, we must also be responsible-
we must think beforehand and create decisions which underlie on a correct
foundation. Then, be responsible for the outcome. We must take everything
gradually and not be careless human beings. We have a great mind to make
judgments and a heart to stand for it. Thus, as Basil Cardinal Hume said, the
greatest hope against HIV/AIDS is the moral renewal of society. The bottom
line, we need prevention against this disease through education and control.
II.
It is imperative that the persons
afflicted by HIV/AIDS should be responsible and not reckless in order to thwart
the spread of the lethal virus they carry. On one hand, testing or screening
the population is one of the strategies needed for deterrence. However, this
strategy requires a great investment. On the other hand, they thought of
isolation and confinement. However, it is still a debated suggestion.
People look at the victims of this
disease as lepers of the society. They view them as irresponsible beings
punished by God for having an immoral and promiscuous life. Some think they are
miserable and must be excluded away from society. In a cold and selfish society
like ours, they are rejected and discriminated. This is a desolated fact.
What we ought to do facing AIDS
patient? We all have to be just to them and in solidarity with them. Justice
and solidarity are the two basic ethical categories to respond to them.
Moreover we should not be judgmental at all. What we need again, I repeat is an
open mind. Human solidarity and Christian solidarity are universal. Nevertheless,
genuine solidarity is addressed most especially to the oppressed.
Let us all be of good will to be in solidarity with HIV/AIDS
patients.
III.
Ethics is the normative science that
guides us to live good moral lives. If it does not, it is useless. When we
consider HIV/AIDS in ethical perspective, it is with the only purpose of
helping us to become more responsible in facing this epidemic. What are
essential are responsible disciplined citizens, able to execute moral values. We
should be away from endurance anymore. We must be at side with correct
education and abolish the insecurity we have regarding this matter. We must
have the initiative to have enlightened open minds and be able to look at
different perspectives. Let us take a step away from conservatism and a step
closer to rationalism.
Liberalism often has been
obfuscated for so long and I think it’s about time to redirect the minds to a
more open minded one; of course, with a right moral.
An
outlook of wider perspectives and a stand for a right moral foundation can lead
us to better enlightenment. Remember, it is not immoral to lean towards a
liberal mind, it is necessary.
The
ethical perspective of HIV/AIDS is an important dimension. We are challenged to
be informed and be responsible. We are never too late unless
We
let us be.
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