A.I.D.S.

Press, 24 September 1987, Page 14

A.I.D.S.

Sir,—The horrifying spread of A.I.D.S. is surely not being taken seriously enough by people in responsible advisory positions, nor by the media. The only nearly fully effective ways to control this spread are known to be the avoiding of promiscuous sexual behaviour, including chastity before marriage and total fidelity within marriage. Yet the A.I.D.S. Foundation, the Family Planning Association, and other agencies continue to promote, primarily, the use of the condom. The unfortunate message is that some measure of promiscuous behaviour is still all right as long as you take extra precautions. This is a deadly error. Condom use is only partially effective as a physical barrier and promoting the use of condoms, and making access to them easier, will encourage more promiscuity. Films and newspaper advertising which encourage promiscuous sexual behaviour could also be leading people to their deaths. Are we so morally corrupt that we cannot face the truth?—Yours, etc., JOHN D. CANHAM. September 19, 1987. Sir, —At last the true prospects of A.I.D.S. in New Zealand are emerging with the Health Department briefing papers, but soft-pedalled by the Minister. This yearly doubling of victims has long been the pattern overseas and Indicates an economic disaster for this and other countries. The media have much to answer for in swallowing the past and present Governments* publicity programmes, loaded with emphasis on peripheral issues, and not highlighting what I consider the main cause of this plague, homosexual behaviour. Compassion for the victims, yes, but also pragmatism for us all. — Yours, etc., M. LYONS. September 20, 1987.