CONDOM CONDEMNATION

The recent DOH’s distribution of free condoms stirred up the Catholic Church into discomfort claiming the benevolent act of the DOH to be immoral and irresponsible (emphasis mine). The contradiction of rationale behind the condom’s issue, the DOH claiming condom to be the best alternative to control the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country and the church’s view that giving out condoms encourages people to engage in premarital sex and in promiscuity, set forth a divisive view of the Filipino people.
The church’s strong cause is to solve the issue of HIV/AIDS by treating the very source of it. This would mean rooting up the very reason why people would resort to premarital sex and promiscuity that is by building up strong values and a stable moral quotient. I couldn’t help but agree. However, I also accede with DOH’s point that while the epidemic has already spread to quiet a number of people, necessary control has to be done. Otherwise the virus will continue to spread considering that most of the infected people are actually unaware that they carry the virus or, if at all aware, are irresponsible enough to be cautious in satisfying their sexual urges.
Personally, while it is partly the government’s responsibility to address the issue on the increasing number of HIV/AIDS carrier in the country, the major burden should still lie in each of us to be more cautious in performing any sexual activity. And this is where the church’s view becomes more relevant. Because no matter how many condoms the government gives to the sexing public, if everyone engages in premarital sex and chooses to do without it (as majority claims “condomless” sex is better) the problem will continue to soar high no matter what effort is done. The bottom line still points to how responsible the sexing public is. And talking about being responsible is a matter of attitude. It is a matter of what values a person has and what outlook one believes in.
On the other hand, the church’s claim of using condom very “uncatholic” gets me into questioning. Would using condom make us less of a Christian? Would it really hurt our faith? Because as far as I’m concern it really doesn’t lessen my belief in God. I mean I know premarital sex is a sin but c’mon let’s face the reality that many of us do that. So the least we can do is take extra care against any negative consequence. If we cannot stop committing this wrongful act, we might as well do some justice by being responsible with our health and that of our partners’. And that’s where the use of condom becomes significant.
Can these two entities blend their seemingly competent solution? Why not give out condoms and institute a massive information drive and educate everyone on the values necessary to live out a responsible and worry-free life? Why not reinforce each other’s view between the issue of morality and safe sex. Combining two opposing unit wouldn’t really hurt, if only to address a more serious issue than the existing irreconcilable differences (if I may call it)? Who knows something good will transpire out of ignoring each other’s strong indignation. What do you think?