The Pope is Wrong on Condoms

WASHINGTON - Jon O’Brien, president of Catholics for Choice, issued a response to Pope
Benedict’s statement on condom use.

“As the pope traveled to Africa, he chose this moment to make what
appears to be his first unequivocal statement opposing condom use. In an
interview on the papal plane to Cameroon, the pope acknowledged the HIV/AIDS
crisis but claimed that the distribution of condoms would not resolve the
problem. In fact, he said, condom use ‘increases the problem.’

“The pope will find that few Catholics and even fewer medical personnel
agree with his stance. Several bishops in Africa, including especially Bishop
Kevin Dowling of Rustenburg in South Africa, have been outspoken in their
support of the use of condoms. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that many
people who work with Catholic relief agencies distribute condoms to those at
risk of infection.

“While condoms are not a panacea for the problem, they are a critical
part of the campaign to reduce the impact of the virus. Medical experts agree
that the condom is a life-saving device: it is highly effective in preventing
HIV transmission if used correctly and consistently, and is the best current
method of HIV prevention for those who are sexually active and at risk.

“For the Catholic hierarchy to deny the role that condoms play in
preventing the further spread of HIV is irresponsible and dangerous. Not only
that, the Catholic hierarchy has lobbied governments in the global north
against the inclusion of funding for condoms in development aid programs.

“Catholics the world over unequivocally state that using condoms is
prolife and disagree with the Vatican’s ban on condoms. Now is not the time
for the pope to be dismissing the importance of condom use. As he travels to
Africa, he will face the realities of the epidemic. Let us hope and pray that
he reconsiders and reverses his position, and in doing so, adopts the truly
prolife position that ordinary Catholics have already embraced: using condoms
saves lives.”

More information on what Catholics believe about condom use is available
at www.catholicsforchoice.org/documents/BRSPOLLFINAL1.pdf

Catholics for Choice shapes and advances sexual and reproductive ethics
that are based on justice, reflect a commitment to women’s well-being and
respect and affirm the capacity of women and men to make moral decisions
about their lives.

Source: Catholics for Choice

David Nolan of Catholics for Choice, +1-202-986-6093