Madam, - Fiona O'Malley claims that the Church's message on condoms is irresponsible (Opinion, October 22nd). I say that her message is such.
She claims that the Church in "its crusade against the use of contraceptives includes the dissemination of scientifically inaccurate information on the effectiveness of condoms". I claim it is Ms O'Malley who is "disseminating the scientifically inaccurate information".
She certainly has more faith in condoms than the manufacturers, who have a disclaimer on the package, and the World Health Organisation, which acknowledges that their use does not guarantee protection.
No, the Church is not "peddling lies" but seeks to promote the truth, which is that only abstinence or commitment to one partner will prevent HIV-AIDS infection. On the other hand, Ms O'Malley blithely confirms to young people that if they use a condom they are having "safe sex". What exploitation of young people by assuring them that they are safe when quite patently they are not! What use is the statistic that condoms are effective in a percentage of cases if they are the ones who happen to be the losers? As well as that, the use of condoms adds to the exploitation of women for sexual gratification. As Breda O'Brien wrote recently, there is no condom for a broken heart.
It is generous, all right, of Fiona O'Malley to acknowledge that the Catholic Church in the Third World has done more than any other single organisation but then to denigrate it for promoting the truth.
Young people appreciate ideals being placed before them, not fudging the truth and encouraging them to follow the irresponsible behaviour of their elders which has led to the spread of HIV-AIDS. - Yours, etc.,
Mrs MARY STEWART,
Ardeskin,
Donegal Town.