Key African cardinal criticizes effectiveness of condoms

October 06, 2009

A key African cardinal told the press yesterday that Africans “would be happier” if the money spent on exporting condoms to Africa were instead spent on antiretroviral drugs to combat HIV. Criticizing the effectiveness of condoms, Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson of Ghana, who is serving as relator general of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, said:

Let's talk it over plainly here: we are talking about a product of a factory, and there are different qualities. There are condoms which arrive in Ghana (where in the heat they burst during sex), and when that is the case, then it gives the poor a false sense of security which rather facilitates the spread of HIV/Aids. And when that is the case, then we are reluctant even in the case of, you know, conjugal relation and people who are faithful, people are reluctant to talk about it.

But still our primary concern and our priority are such that what we will talk first about will probably be this: the abstinence and loyalty and fidelity and you refrain from sex when it is not the case.

 

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Further information:

• Cardinal Turkson on Condoms and HIV/AIDS (Zenit)
• African cardinal on condoms and AIDS (National Catholic Reporter)
• Condoms are not reliable in fight against HIV, says African cardinal (CNS)