A PRO-LIFE group has called on the government, particularly the Department of Health (DOH), to put signs on condom packages similar to the ones being printed in cigarettes.
Doctor Rene Josef Bullecer, head for human life international of AIDS-Free Philippines, said a sign “This product is not 100 percent guaranteed safe, use it at your own risks” should be put in every condom label.
This, as Bullecer criticized the DOH for giving half-truth information to the people regarding the alleged safety of condoms, safe sex and birth control.
During a press conference on Monday, Bullecer said the use of condoms as precautionary measures on safe sex can increase a person’s chances of getting infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (Aids).
“Condoms can only protect what it cover while the other entry points are unprotected such as the scrotum, pubic hair and other parts, which are also prone to infections such as vaginitis, gonorrhea, scabies, parasitic infection, herpes infection, chlamydia infection and chancroid infection,” he said.
He said the average size in condoms is five microns while the HIV is 1/10.
He added that condom may break and leakage would also occur during a rough intercourse if not placed properly by the user, which will result to pregnancy and possible infection.
Bullecer said condom is also sensitive to heat and cold.
“HIV is not a preventable disease but a behavioral disease so the solution is definitely not condom but factual information, that one must be aware, be informed and be dedicated,” Bullecer said.
However, the World Health Organization has said that condom use is one of the effective means of preventing HIV/Aids.
Meanwhile, Bullecer openly lambasted political candidates who are supporting the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill, including Liberal Party standard bearer Noynoy Aquino and senatoriable Yasmin Bustra-Lao.
The bill has even become the target issues of opposing parties and politicians.
He said people should not vote for those candidates who are in favor of the RH Bill.
However, Bustra-Lao considered Bullecer’s statement against those who support the bill as “black propaganda.”
“The RH bill is not into abortion and there is no way I would support it if it would harm the people,” Lao said.
She said Bullecer’s group has been openly supporting the candidacy of presidentiable Manny Villar and the “black propaganda” is intended to pin them down.
The Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2008 promote responsible parenthood, informed choice, birth spacing and respect for life in conformity with internationally recognized human rights standards.