LONDON – British medical journal the Lancet yesterday accused Pope Benedict XVI of distorting scientific evidence to promote Catholic doctrine by saying condoms increase the spread of Aids.
In an editorial, the journal called on the pope to retract the comments made last week, saying anything less would be an immense disservice to the public and to health advocates fighting to contain the disease.
“When any influential person, be it a religious or political leader, makes a false scientific statement that could be devastating to the health of millions of people, they should retract or correct the public record,” the editorial said.
During his first visit to Africa, the pope told reporters that Aids is a problem that “cannot be overcome by the distribution of condoms; on the contrary, they increase it”.
The comment ignited a firestorm of criticism from health officials, activists and politicians, who criticised the view as unrealistic, unscientific and dangerous.
The church teaches that fidelity within heterosexual marriage and abstinence are the best ways to stop Aids. The Vatican also says condoms can lead to risky behaviour, but many contest that view.
Health experts say there is no scientific evidence to show condom use spurs people to take more sexual risks, and say studies show condom use reduces the risk of acquiring HIV. – (Reuters)