Condoms, condoms and a new year!

LIGHTER MOMENTS
Hilarion “Abe” Pawid

Modes are changing with time. In a few weeks, a new year enters our lives and may probably be affected by changes as a result of new laws and doctrines set by governments and religious leaders. Hopefully any change will be for the better.

Let’s take the use of condoms and other forms of contraceptives that prevent conception. Half a century ago condoms were not displayed in the shelves of pharmacy stores. They were hidden but customers would successfully make a purchase with a hesitant whisper to sales ladies.

However, in the sides streets of Manila one need not go thru such charade as condoms of various sizes and colors were very visible to public view.

Today, condoms are openly displayed for sale and advertised in media over the opposition of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) who adhere to orthodox teachings on marriage and sexuality. And sadly, the street vendors of Manila lost an item to trade.

Next year, some P430 million worth of condoms and other forms of contraceptives will be distributed free. Despite heavy leaning and threats from the CPCP to Malacanang and members of both Houses of Congress the Reproductive Health (RH) bill is likely apt to pass as a population management tool.

The stand of the bicameral committee of Congress in approving the multi-million budget could have possibly been influenced by the liberal pronouncement of Pope Benedict XVI on the use of condoms as a means to prevent the spread of the dreaded Human Immuno Virus-Acquired Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS).

Governments the world over have adopted atypical attitude over the use of condoms as a means to reduce growing populations and the spread of HIV-AIDS.

In point of fact, Rome’s new doctrine has corroborated existing policies of other countries. It also upholds the position held by then health secretary Juan Flavier on the use of condoms. He was critically opposed by the CPCP including his candidacy for a senate seat. Flavier served the Senate for two terms.

Other predominantly Catholic countries in South America have liberal policies on family planning and population management. Brazil over the years distributes 200 million free condoms and has to a certain degree reduced its population growth.

Sweden made “unprotected sex” or having sex without the use of condom punishable. Considered a rich state, she is one of the least populated countries in the world.

Presently, the Philippines remains a poor country in the third world category that have a population of over 86 million with an annual growth rate of 1.8 percent. The figure is projected to double in 50 years time if the growth rate is not arrested.