ndoms provide a highly effective barrier to sperm andmicro-organisms, including HIV and the much smaller hepatitis B virus. (ibid 3)U.S. representative Tom Coburn, (R) OK. is quoted as saying that the media and theCDC have not printed warnings about the high communicability of some STDs becausethe idea that truly safe sex is just a myth is unpopular. (Wyatt) The above-mentionedFRC asserts that condoms are useless against HPV [the virus which leads to genitalwarts and cervical cancer]. Abstinence is recommended as a better solution. (ibid)Planned Parenthood president Gloria Feldt is quoted responding that abstinence isthe only 100 percent safe method to prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancy. (ibid)However, she felt compelled to add that the abstinence-only sex education message...is not in the best interest of adolescents or adults. (ibid) Ms. Feldt went on to chide theFRC for promoting ignorance and clamed FRC supporters want to impose their ownpersonal religious and moral agenda on all people. (ibid)Further examination of the medical studies gives a hint as to who is promotingignorance and who wants to impose their own... agenda upon whom. StanleyMonteith, M.D. is a columnist and radio talk show host with a medical background. Hequestions the science and the moral implications of the pronouncements of the CDC.The study which the CDC refers to is not cited completely. Viral-sized particles do passthrough the latex. The amount is decreased significantly, but when dealing with one ofthe deadliest diseases known to mankind, the presence of any infectious viral-sizedparticles penetrating an intact condom is unacceptable. (Monteith 1-2)Another clinical source cited by the CDC stated that condoms may reduce [the] risk ofHIV infection by approximately 69%. (ibid 2) The author goes on to state that a 31%failure rate is hardly highly effective. (ibid 2-3) Further studies used by the CDC tobolster their claims of protection are analyzed by the good...
