FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: |
CONTACT:
|
Bill
Barker |
| Tuesday, July 24, 2001 |
|
(202) 419-3420 |
Conservative Group Attacks
CDC Director
Effort to Spin NIH Report on Condom Efficacy
Falling on Deaf Ears
WASHINGTON, DC (July 24, 2001) In a desperate attempt to
draw attention to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
report on condoms, a group of ultra-conservative medical
organizations is calling for the resignation of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Director Dr. Jeffrey Koplan.
The NIH report states that condoms are highly effective
in preventing pregnancy and HIV. In addition, condoms are
also effective in preventing gonorrhea and may be effective
in reducing the cancer risk associated with HPV. The report
also states there is no research to demonstrate how effective
condoms are in the prevention of other sexually transmitted
diseases.
Certain conservative groups tried unsuccessfully to use
this report to promote an abstinence-only-until-marriage
agenda with the federal government and its agencies. Unable
to garner the desired support, these groups have changed
strategy, deciding to attack those who refuse to listen to
their ideology and instead focus on science and sound public
health strategies.
"The CDC realizes it would be irresponsible to
use this report to justify attempts to keep our young people
in the dark about the effective use of condoms to prevent
HIV and pregnancy," said James Wagoner, President of
Advocates for Youth. "Young people have the right to
know all the facts, including the fact that if they
are sexually active, condoms can help protect their health
and save their lives."
Wagoner calls on politicians and policy makers to stop allowing
their political agendas to censor information from teens. "The
research is clear that condoms are highly effective in preventing
pregnancy and HIV. We must put politics aside and follow
the research. Young people need information about abstinence and contraception.
It's not either/or—they need both," concluded Wagoner.
###
Note
to Editors and Producers: For more information
or to set up an interview with adolescent sexuality experts,
please contact Bill Barker at (202) 419-3420.
RETURN TO INDEX
OF PRESS RELEASES >>
|
Send this page to a friend