And when I say religious dogma, I mean the secular kind. Recall the controversy over the Pope’s comments on AIDS and condoms? At least one Harvard academic is saying the immortal gods of science prove the Pope right:
A senior Harvard research scientist confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI, who endured heavy criticism for declaring that condom distribution programs worsen the AIDS epidemic in Africa, was actually correct. Dr. Edward C. Green, director of the AIDS Prevention Research Project at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, told National Review Online last week that despite AIDS activists and media outlets pounding the pope for downplaying the effectiveness of condoms, the science actually supports the Catholic leader’s claim.
(cross-posted to The Shotgun)
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There is a bit of selective bias purported in the National Review story and even a slight ideological twisting of Dr. Green’s words. Condoms are not effective as a singular approach to reducing HIV infection, but most be part of a holistic approach that includes social/cultural approaches, as well as encouraging monogamy and abstinence, in order to be effective.
The effectiveness of condoms is most likely correlated (or perhaps, caused) by an increase in effective, science-based education. The best scientific evidence we have (see the CDC report,http://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/latex.htm), shows that when used responsibly, latex condoms act as a very effective barrier to HIV. Look at the cases where condoms have been used in sero-discordant relationships (one negative and one positive). Infections are almost entirely negated with the responsible use of anti-retroviral drugs and condoms.
The Catholic Church’s position may appear, according to your spin, to be in line with mainstream scientific thought, but it’s really just blind ideology. The Church prevents anyone from using condoms. That includes all the monogamous, married woman who are unknowningly in a relationship with an HIV positive man. They are being responsible and monogamous, but they need condoms to protect themselves.