Pope Acknowledges Condoms Should be Available for Male Sex Workers but NOT FOR WOMEN/Another example of Misogyny

For Immediate Release: November 21, 2010
Media Contact: David J. Nolan, (202) 986-6093

Pope’s Statement on Condoms Is a Victory for Common Sense and Reason

Jon O’Brien, president of Catholics for Choice, issued the following statement after Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged that condoms have a role to play in preventing the transmission of HIV:

“We are delighted that the pope has acknowledged that condoms can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections including HIV. It is a marvelous victory for common sense and reason and a major step forward towards recognizing that condom use can play a vital role in reducing the future impact of the HIV pandemic.

“The pope said that condom use to prevent the transmission of HIV is ‘a first step in a movement toward a different way, a more humane sexuality.’ This admission is the Catholic hierarchy’s own first step in addressing the realities about sex and sexuality. However, while this is a game-changing statement, we acknowledge that there is still a long way to go before the Vatican’s teachings on condoms meet the needs of Catholics around the world—for contraception as well as for HIV and AIDS prevention.

“While we naturally agree that condoms should be available for male sex workers, we and millions of Catholics also think they should be available to everyone at risk of contracting or transmitting HIV—women as well as men.

Senior Associate for Domestic Program
1436 U Street NW, Suite 301 • Washington, DC 20009
tel 202-986-6093 • fax 202-332-7995
mvaleri@catholicsforchoice.org • catholicsforchoice.org



Bridget Mary's Reflection:


If it is morally acceptable for male sex workers to use condoms to prevent the spread of HIV AIDS, why is it not morally acceptable for female sex workers to use condoms to prevent the spread of HIV AIDS? Condoms should be one of the choices that are available to both genders to prevent HIV AIDS and for birth control. Once again, Pope Benedict, this is another example of the institutional Roman Catholic Church's misogyny. Thousands of faithful wives in Africa have died because their partners did not use condoms. Pope Benedict should announce a change of heart on condoms to save women's lives. Otherwise, once again, the Pope's message to women is that your life is less important then male sex workers. How tragic!
In my view, Pope Benedict should demonstrate Christ's compassion to all God's people including women who are infected by HIV AIDS.
Women Priests understand women's pain and suffering. We are here to bring Christ's compassion to our sisters ( and brothers) suffering with HIV AIDS. especially those on the margins who suffer from poverty and rejection, and discrimination by church and society.
Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
sofiabmm@aol.com