Pope to Africans: Stop Using Condoms to Prevent AIDS
Pope Says Condoms Contribute to the AIDS Epidemic in Africa and Across the World
Pope Benedict reiterated the Vatican's ban on condom use by saying AIDS, "...Cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems...Abstinence is the only sure way of preventing the spread of HIV and Aids."
According to Times Online, in 2003 a Vatican official attempted to scare the public by saying condoms were filled with microscopic holes that the HIV virus could easily pass through, and because of this, millions of people were at risk for the AIDS virus without knowing it. The official said, "The AIDS virus is roughly 450 times smaller than the spermatozoon. The spermatozoon can easily pass through the 'net' that is formed by the condom."
Either the Catholic Church doesn't get the big picture, or officials are ignorantly and purposefully scaring the public into accepting the beliefs of Catholicism. Even if what the Vatican official said was the slightest bit true, scientists have proven that proper condom use significantly lessens the risk of HIV transmission.
So here we have the Pope, (who undoubtedly receives free health care for even the slightest sniffle) travelling to a poor country where AIDS flourishes, and the most basic of immunizations and medications aren't readily available to the public. He has the audacity to tell this entire country to stop using condoms because condoms are the devil and they don't stop the spread of the AIDS virus; quite possibly the same virus that killed many of the parents of the very people lending open ears - all in the name of religion.
The CDC agrees with the Catholic Church, saying condoms aren't 100% effective against preventing the spread of HIV, and that abstinence is key to avoiding the virus. However, thanks to actual scientific research, the CDC notes, "Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing heterosexual sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Research on the effectiveness of latex condoms in preventing heterosexual transmission is both comprehensive and conclusive."
According to GlobalIssues.org, each day, 6000 Africans die from AIDS. Each day 11,000 new people are infected with the HIV virus. In some cultures, men infected with AIDS believe having sex with a virgin will cure them. Taking into consideration the poverty level, the unavailability of condoms and medication, and the denial of the existence of AIDS by several African leaders, how can the Pope look in the mirror tomorrow morning knowing his sanctimonious, self-serving speech could potentially increase the number of AIDS victims in Africa?This is just another example of how religions tend to look out for #1 instead of the good of the public.
Sources:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article5923927.ece
http://www.cdc.gov/HIV/resources/qa/condom.htm
http://www.globalissues.org/article/90/aids-in-africa
Published by Alicia White
Alicia is a former air traffic controller who lived in Japan for several years. She's currently a freelance writer in California, and a full-time student majoring in digital media/graphic design. View profile
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5 Comments
Post a CommentOut of the mouth of Popes...
One more example of the heavy yoke that religion places on the world, and why we will be much the better when it is banished to the realm of mythology...
I am just in shock over this story. I really can't believe, regardless of motive, that he would say that. Let's just hope that his words fell upon deaf ears. Or that somehow this can be turned into good.
Can we prosecute him for genocide? Because that's what he's perpetuating. I don't normally slam popes, but this is just criminal. If you want to tell people not to have sex, that's fine. But don't pervert proven medical science in pursuit of that fruitless (pun intended) goal.
I agree whole heartedly. How can we expect to bring people to salvation when the Pope himself behaves in such an outrageous manner. He will certainly be in for a rude awakening when he faces his Creator, and has to answer for his actions, or lack there of. In the position he's in, his number one priority should be saving souls. Shame on him, and those who condone this stance.