Mar 24 2009
Opposite Day at the Vatican
Thursday night on the Daily Show I heard that Pope Benedict XVI had stated that distributing condoms would contribute to the spread of HIV. I find this highly problematic not only because condoms are one of the few reliable methods of protecting one’s self from the virus, but also because many devout Catholics look to the Pope for guidance. By announcing that condoms increase one’s chances for contracting the virus, the Pope may have unwittingly condemned many people to acquire the disease via unsafe sex.
From whence did this information come? I am aware that Catholicism (as well as many other religions and denominations) takes an official stance against using birth control. I do not, however, understand how a public figure can make such outrageous claims. My goal here is not to argue against faith - such an endeavor is pointless because we all believe our own way is the right way in matters of religion. I simply want to know why anyone would think it is okay to risk public health in the name of one’s own personal beliefs
Like it or not, we live in a neoliberal world in which it is our personal responsibility to stay healthy. Illness is often considered a weakness brought on by a deficient lifestyle, a stereotype which creates a social emphasis on wellness. When the Pope made his claims denouncing safer sex, he undermined not only the right of the people to remain healthy, but also kept many individuals from the means to respond accordingly to one’s societal duty to maintain health.
I do not approve of the current mores which stigmatize illness, but I also cringe as the Pope stands before his giant congregation and tells them that condoms spread HIV. This information is false and will cause far more damage than any campaign delivering prophylactics to disadvantaged persons. Scientists, public health officials, and human rights leaders have been striving for decades to find a way to halt the spread of HIV; please do not let one (powerful) man undo that work with one unfounded comment.
