Nov 22 2008
Abstinence or Condoms - Your choice?
Suppose you were in charge of a health program to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) by promoting condom usage or abstinence, which would you choose?
If I had the chance, I would go for a mix of both. But if asked for an actual choice between the two, I’ll go for usage of condoms.
From a biological point of view, it is true that the only way to completely guarantee prevention of STDs is by abstinence. But, it is not a realistic option. It will be possible only for a few people.
Sexual abstinence is a lifestyle choice. Asking a person to abstain from sex is like telling them or rather forcing them what to do with their lives which is completely wrong. The best way out is the ‘cafeteria approach’. It involves giving a bunch of options available including abstinence and condoms in them besides others and asking the couple to choose the one they desire.
Condoms must be an option. They are inexpensive, easy to use and have fewer side-effects. People should be informed about them as well as the technique of using them. Another option is to teach adolescents to use condoms when abstinence fails.
President Obama plans to fight the global AIDS epidemic by promoting condom usage. This will mark the end of Bush administration’s abstinence-education strategy.
In fact, each method can contribute in its own small way to prevent spread of STDs.
Please contribute your views on this topic in the ‘Comments’ section below and take part in the poll below.
