The problem of infertility in african cultures and the implications for pastoral care

Abstract

Human infertility as approach in this study is a recurring problem in African cultures, requiring adequate pastoral care of the missionary actions present in these countries. This empirical study with a phenomenological approach followed the analysis carried out for a doctoral thesis and returned to the participants' speeches. The general objective is to deepen the understanding of the social and psychological implications of problem of infertility in African cultures and the due implications of pastoral care. The survey considered data from 45 interviews recorded in 2016 and 2017 with natives of Angola, Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique, and with Brazilian female missionaries (Baptists, Assemblies, Presbyterians and others) working in these countries while single. It was evident that infertility in African countries results in discriminatory punitive practices with infertile people, especially women. Aspects such as self-esteem, dignity, meaning of life and relevance to society emerge from the research data. It was found that similar pressures also occur in the Brazilian context, leading people to seek specialized fertility treatment. The problem of infertility causes suffering for infertile women, demanding practices to improve the quality of life and meaning. Therefore, professional psychotherapy and pastoral care are relevant to the existential issues of infertile people.