The Pope: Condoms have tiny holes, let HIV In
[note: headline edited to moderate tone] This is not so good, I think.
The Catholic Church is telling people in countries stricken by Aids not to use condoms because they have tiny holes in them through which the HIV virus can pass - potentially exposing thousands of people to risk.The church is making the claims across four continents despite a widespread scientific consensus that condoms are impermeable to the HIV virus.
This is simply untrue. Moreover, since some African nations are facing HIV infection rates of 20% and more, this is a mindblowingly inhumane position to take. Y'know, there is such a thing as being blinded by one's convictions.
Posted by
Johno
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§ 3 Comments
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It seems like an odd position
It seems like an odd position to take, given that you can make a pretty good argument that condoms aren't perfect - the same article says that the even consistent, proper use of condoms reduces the risk of STD transmission by only 90%. One in ten odds is not exactly betting odds when the loser dies.
Of course, reducing promiscuity would have a rather dramatic effect on the disease's spread.
Buckethead, I won't argue
Buckethead, I won't argue with that.
However: 1) there are no tiny holes in condoms. Regardless of what the Church THINKS of them, this is false. 2) Reducing promiscuity [em]would[/em] have a salutary effect on the spread of HIV. But I disagree with the Catholic Church's position that condoms promote promiscuity. People don't have sex because condoms are present. People use condoms during sex because condoms are present. Big, and mortally important, difference.
Seems sort of counter
Seems sort of counter-productive to the whole evangalizing mission to me. Dead Catholics certainly won't help the church spread the faith.