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The following is a letter to editor published today in the Jamaica Gleaner by Antenna Brown.
The Editor, Sir:I write in reference to the current debate regarding the distribution of condoms in schools to combat adolescent sexual activity, pregnancies and sexually-transmitted diseases. It seems that those who oppose the measure base their misguided philosophy on the false notions that preaching the gospel of abstinence is effective; and the distributing of condoms to adolescents will advance the onset of their sexual activity.
The scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the contention that condoms, when properly used, reduce the incidence of pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases. In an ideal world, the encouragement of abstinence would be the most effective policy. However, there is no practical justification to suggest that this is a sufficient response. The advocacy of abstinence can only serve as a primary defence because it is inevitable that adolescents, regardless of the strength of an abstinence message, will still engage in sexual behaviour. Therefore, condom availability would have a positive impact by decreasing the negotiation necessary to get a partner to use a condom. It would also decrease the amount of resources spent on supporting unwanted and unplanned pregnancies and abortions, as well as associated diseases.
Much more here, worth reading, and it's a welcome sight in Jamaica.
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