Pope, Bush discourage the use of condoms
Southern Voice Online
Letters to the Editor
Friday, January 21, 2005
To the Editors:
We know many of our youth are having sex and will have sex in the future. To teach abstinence without including education on the need for a condom and how to use a condom will lead to more HIV and STD infections. Education is the key.
Around the world the use of condoms is seen as a trusted weapon in the prevention of HIV infection, however, these efforts are often hampered by religious beliefs.
President Bush has clearly given preferential treatment by providing funding to HIV/AIDS groups and organizations that promote abstinence over those promoting the use of condoms.
Pope John Paul II refuses to recognize the harm the Catholic Church causes with its refusal to promote condom use in the prevention of HIV and AIDS. HIV-positive individuals have even been told by priests and nuns that they should not use condoms.
Condoms may not be preferred by anyone but the reality is they are now necessary. The use of condoms saves lives, and condoms work to prevent the further spread of HIV.
We know that individuals who are told they must refrain from sex or make pledges of abstinence that they are very often ill prepared and a condom is not used when they do engage in sex. They become infected.
We also know that we cannot rely on a pledge of fidelity. Many women and men who considered themselves to be in a monogamous relationship were infected by a spouse. This is clearly evident now with the increase of HIV infections among married women.
Knowledge of and the use of a condom is necessary in all relationships.
BRADFORD McINTYRE
Vancouver, Canada
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Pope, Bush discourage the use of condoms by Bradford McIntyre
Southern Voice Online - Letters to the Editor- Friday, January 21, 2005
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