Is Condom Distribution Smart Health Policy?

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As the pope traveled to Africa, he made what some reported 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." A later transcript of the pope's comments on the Vatican's Web site altered the comment to suggest that condoms "risked" increasing the problem.

The pope quickly found that few Catholics and even fewer medical personnel agreed 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. Almost immediately, two bishops in Portugal, as well as the French and German governments and UNAIDS, came out to denounce his comments. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that many people who work with Catholic relief agencies distribute condoms to those at risk of infection.

While nobody claims that condoms are a panacea for HIV, they remain 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—including especially in the United States—against the inclusion of funding for condoms in development aid programs. The result is to deny the poorest of the poor in the global south the chance of protecting themselves by using condoms.

UNAIDS explains the situation simply and convincingly: “Conclusive evidence from extensive research shows that correct use of condoms every time one has sex significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission.”