Catholic organizations, according to the Vatican, provide about a quarter of the world’s health care to those living with HIV and AIDS. Representatives of many of the groups who provide that care were present at AIDS 2008. One, Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-sponsored confederation of some 200 national and local Catholic social service and development organizations, organized a get-together Tuesday evening at a local Catholic human rights center.
As I arrived, fashionably late, but still well before the evening’s events got under way (the traffic in Mexico City and the local phenomenon known as Mexican Standard Time meant we started almost an hour after we were supposed to), I was greeted by Father Robert J. Vitillo, the special adviser on HIV and AIDS to Caritas. He blanched when I introduced myself, but graciously welcomed me. I sat down with two people who had been at our session the previous day, “Good Catholics Use Condoms” who welcomed me warmly.
By the time we started with a prayer and introductions, more than 100 people had gathered to eat, drink and discuss how the conference was going and how their own work could be improved.
Guest speakers included the secretary general of the Young Women’s Christian Association, Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, a Catholic from Zimbabwe who lost three siblings to HIV and AIDS and Sally Smith from the UNAIDS Civil Society Partnerships, who diplomatically noted that while UNAIDS and the Catholic hierarchy have some disagreements to work out, they must continue to forge ahead and collaborate as much as they can.
This quiet but implicit criticism of the Catholic hierarchy’s teachings against the use of condoms became on of the major themes of the evening, with several speakers expressing how upset they were that when the Catholic church was mentioned during the AIDS 2008 conference, it tended to be in a critical voice that ignored all the great work that Catholic organizations did. (The other focus was the creation of a network for Catholic groups that work in the field to communicate better.)
However, a Ghanaian priest and a Maryknoll sister from Central America, who ministers to sex workers, both seemed to question whether the hierarchy’s position on condoms and prevention was a viable one. The Ghanaian priest suggested the church needs to develop a theology of condomization as it related to HIV and AIDS.
While there were no explicit repudiations of these voices, Fr Vitillo and Monsignor Gabriel Penate (as bishops are called there) from Guatemala as well as other church officials brought the issue back to all the good work that Catholic organizations do with people living with HIV and AIDS. Fr Vitillo promised to follow up with everybody on the issue of a new network, and the evening drew to a cordial close.
DN
Friday, August 8, 2008
Trangendered Confusion
Senator Tom Coburn’s conflicted relationship with the global battle against HIV and AIDS took another turn Tuesday when he released a statement denouncing US government expenditure on the AIDS 2008 conference.
Credit where it’s due, Coburn supports funding the fight against HIV and AIDS, despite his self-declared and very public battle against anything he regards as unnecessary and wasteful government spending. He regards PEPFAR as “America's most significant foreign policy accomplishment since the Marshall Plan” and when he was in the House, he supported a law that sought to limit mother-to-child transmission of HIV as well as the reauthorization of the Ryan-White CARE Act. So far, so good.
It’s also true, however, that while the PEPFAR legislation is flawed (criticism of many of its flaws has appeared in previous editions of this newsletter), Coburn was on the wrong side of most if not all of those flaws. Conscience clause? He supported its expansion. Clean needle-exchange programs? Against. De-stigmatizing sex workers and men who have sex with men? Against, with bells on. Funding for abstinence-only education? Decoupling family planning assistance? Big thumbs up from Senator Tom. As I said, in every battle, Tom was on the wrong (if sadly, triumphant) side.
However, Coburn’s condemnation of the $450,000+ the US government spending is way off base. In whose world is it wasteful to send representatives of the National Institutes for Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) to the world’s largest conference on AIDS? Welcome to Senator Tom Land. (And, truth be told, the $9,500 that the government spent on its prime-location, four-square, stand-alone booth was a steal, given the amount that booths were going for.)
Sure, we all have ideas to make these events better. And putting 25,000 people in one space is a sure-fire recipe for a few missteps, though the ones Coburn picked out were a mite strange. Specifically, he highlighted a ‘Sex Workers Mini Film Festival,’ (darn, missed it) and a session by another group of sex workers who have the temerity to be “proud” of their work. A workshop on sex after a positive HIV diagnosis also came under fire, as did, mystifyingly, a session titled “Good Catholics Use Condoms: How to Answer the Tough Questions Surrounding HIV/AIDS Prevention and Religion.” (Full disclosure: I was part of the team that presented at that workshop.) His spies though, were clearly overcome by the event, or perhaps merely over-sensitive to the potential presence of transgendered people. They saw a woman moderating that one, when everybody present could clearly see that Jon O’Brien is a man. As we all know, silly mistakes like that take away from whatever message we seek to get across.
His sign-off, “Talk or treatment? Conference or care?” presents a dichotomy that simply does not exist. These conferences provide so many rich opportunities to network with and learn from our colleagues that we simply cannot afford to let them pass without taking full advantage. As a doctor, Tom should know that. As the self-styled guardian of American’s tax dollars, there are many, many better targets than AIDS 2008. Give me a call, Tom, I have a list ready.
David Nolan
Credit where it’s due, Coburn supports funding the fight against HIV and AIDS, despite his self-declared and very public battle against anything he regards as unnecessary and wasteful government spending. He regards PEPFAR as “America's most significant foreign policy accomplishment since the Marshall Plan” and when he was in the House, he supported a law that sought to limit mother-to-child transmission of HIV as well as the reauthorization of the Ryan-White CARE Act. So far, so good.
It’s also true, however, that while the PEPFAR legislation is flawed (criticism of many of its flaws has appeared in previous editions of this newsletter), Coburn was on the wrong side of most if not all of those flaws. Conscience clause? He supported its expansion. Clean needle-exchange programs? Against. De-stigmatizing sex workers and men who have sex with men? Against, with bells on. Funding for abstinence-only education? Decoupling family planning assistance? Big thumbs up from Senator Tom. As I said, in every battle, Tom was on the wrong (if sadly, triumphant) side.
However, Coburn’s condemnation of the $450,000+ the US government spending is way off base. In whose world is it wasteful to send representatives of the National Institutes for Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) to the world’s largest conference on AIDS? Welcome to Senator Tom Land. (And, truth be told, the $9,500 that the government spent on its prime-location, four-square, stand-alone booth was a steal, given the amount that booths were going for.)
Sure, we all have ideas to make these events better. And putting 25,000 people in one space is a sure-fire recipe for a few missteps, though the ones Coburn picked out were a mite strange. Specifically, he highlighted a ‘Sex Workers Mini Film Festival,’ (darn, missed it) and a session by another group of sex workers who have the temerity to be “proud” of their work. A workshop on sex after a positive HIV diagnosis also came under fire, as did, mystifyingly, a session titled “Good Catholics Use Condoms: How to Answer the Tough Questions Surrounding HIV/AIDS Prevention and Religion.” (Full disclosure: I was part of the team that presented at that workshop.) His spies though, were clearly overcome by the event, or perhaps merely over-sensitive to the potential presence of transgendered people. They saw a woman moderating that one, when everybody present could clearly see that Jon O’Brien is a man. As we all know, silly mistakes like that take away from whatever message we seek to get across.
His sign-off, “Talk or treatment? Conference or care?” presents a dichotomy that simply does not exist. These conferences provide so many rich opportunities to network with and learn from our colleagues that we simply cannot afford to let them pass without taking full advantage. As a doctor, Tom should know that. As the self-styled guardian of American’s tax dollars, there are many, many better targets than AIDS 2008. Give me a call, Tom, I have a list ready.
David Nolan
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Nigeria – the next CFC?
We have made a new friend here at the IAC—a Catholic Nigerian who discovered he loves our work. Yesterday he came back to the booth three times, each time bringing a different set of friends along with him to take our World AIDS day survey and collect materials. It’s great to see people so excited about our message that they’re sharing it with friends here at the conference.
With all of the materials he and his friends have, they could probably start a new CFC branch! What do we think?
Erin
With all of the materials he and his friends have, they could probably start a new CFC branch! What do we think?
Erin
It Takes a (Global) Village
This morning, I headed down to the Global Village to check out some of the exhibitions. CFC’s booth is in the general exhibition hall, along with other global NGOs and large stands sponsored by countries like Brazil, the Netherlands and South Africa. The Global Village is outside the Banamex center in a large tent and has a bit more of a spirited, chaotic feel.
The Village brings together activists from all points of the globe – many with calls to decriminalize sex work, make ARVs free and accessible and stop homo- and trans-phobia.
As I strolled the halls, I saw three different protests—one large one for the use of condoms, complete with condom balloons and energetic chants, another a full Mexican funeral for those who have died from lack of Antiretroviral drugs—you can bet the pharmaceutical representation was not too pleased.
I stopped by CDD-Mexico’s booth for its National Catholic Network of Young People. Their campaign for the IAC is really great—using passages from the Song of Songs celebrating human sexuality (“May your breasts be like the clusters of the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples”) to argue that “pleasure is not a sin. Risking your and your partner’s life is.”
While the exhibition hall has a monopoly on policy makers, the activists in the Global Village lead the fight among the people for action on HIV/AIDS. I always think that for true change, you need both parties involved. Thanks to the IAC for bringing us together!
Erin
The Village brings together activists from all points of the globe – many with calls to decriminalize sex work, make ARVs free and accessible and stop homo- and trans-phobia.
As I strolled the halls, I saw three different protests—one large one for the use of condoms, complete with condom balloons and energetic chants, another a full Mexican funeral for those who have died from lack of Antiretroviral drugs—you can bet the pharmaceutical representation was not too pleased.
I stopped by CDD-Mexico’s booth for its National Catholic Network of Young People. Their campaign for the IAC is really great—using passages from the Song of Songs celebrating human sexuality (“May your breasts be like the clusters of the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples”) to argue that “pleasure is not a sin. Risking your and your partner’s life is.”
While the exhibition hall has a monopoly on policy makers, the activists in the Global Village lead the fight among the people for action on HIV/AIDS. I always think that for true change, you need both parties involved. Thanks to the IAC for bringing us together!
Erin
Kudos for the Condoms4Life Session
People have been accosting presenters from Monday’s Condoms4Life Skills Building Session—in a good way. All of them have had kind words, telling us how much they enjoyed the workshop and how much they learned.
Yesterday, a man from the Bronx stopped by our booth with some accolades for the workshop and enthusiasm for our mission. This was no SRHR activist, but someone in the science and research field. So why was he in our workshop and not one analyzing blood or testing facilities? Turns out he had stumbled in by mistake, liked what he saw, and stayed for the full three-and-a-half hours! And, he confided, he learned way more at our session than he would have at the other one.
DN
Yesterday, a man from the Bronx stopped by our booth with some accolades for the workshop and enthusiasm for our mission. This was no SRHR activist, but someone in the science and research field. So why was he in our workshop and not one analyzing blood or testing facilities? Turns out he had stumbled in by mistake, liked what he saw, and stayed for the full three-and-a-half hours! And, he confided, he learned way more at our session than he would have at the other one.
DN
Under Fire
The single-minded opposition of some condom opponents was displayed on the streets of Mexico City this week, with horrifying results.
Mexican newspaper La Reforma reports that anti-condom activists, led by Jorge Serrano Limón, organized a protest outside the United Nations office earlier this week against the promotion of condoms to prevent HIV transmission.
As part of the protest, the group piled up condoms and pro-condom publications in a brazier, poured alcohol over it and set it on fire. Standing by were other protesters with a pair of fire extinguishers emblazoned with “Abstinencia” (Abstinence) and “Fidelidad” (Faithfulness). Their message appeared to be that condoms will add to the epidemic (read: the fire)—only abstinence and faithfulness have the power to stop it.
A protester holding the bottle of alcohol got too close to the fire and the bottle exploded—setting him on fire. Serrano continued his tirade against condoms, ignoring the fire extinguishers despite the fact that his associate was on flames beside him. Finally, another protester put the flames out and transported the injured victim to the hospital for treatment. For some, it appears, no price is too high in their “pro-life” battle.
DN/Erin
Mexican newspaper La Reforma reports that anti-condom activists, led by Jorge Serrano Limón, organized a protest outside the United Nations office earlier this week against the promotion of condoms to prevent HIV transmission.
As part of the protest, the group piled up condoms and pro-condom publications in a brazier, poured alcohol over it and set it on fire. Standing by were other protesters with a pair of fire extinguishers emblazoned with “Abstinencia” (Abstinence) and “Fidelidad” (Faithfulness). Their message appeared to be that condoms will add to the epidemic (read: the fire)—only abstinence and faithfulness have the power to stop it.
A protester holding the bottle of alcohol got too close to the fire and the bottle exploded—setting him on fire. Serrano continued his tirade against condoms, ignoring the fire extinguishers despite the fact that his associate was on flames beside him. Finally, another protester put the flames out and transported the injured victim to the hospital for treatment. For some, it appears, no price is too high in their “pro-life” battle.
DN/Erin
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
On the Road to Emmaus
Two Kenyan men came by the booth today, laughing as they approached.
“You are Catholic?!” they asked me.
I replied yes, and asked what they thought about that.
“Well, how can you be Catholic if you say abstinence has a high failure rate?” said one.
“Yes, if you say sex is sacred, it must be within marriage, correct?” said the other.
I responded that while we do not deny abstinence to anyone (it does work!), many people find that abstinence does not work for them. And if that occurs, we want them to be safe, protect themselves and their partner, and use a condom. We also believe that sex can be sacred both inside and out of marriage.
“Oh! I get it! Abstain, but if you are not perfect, use a condom. I agree!”
They proceeded to gather tons of CFC materials, thanking me for our presence.
Yet another conversion (of sorts) here at the IAC 2008.
Erin
“You are Catholic?!” they asked me.
I replied yes, and asked what they thought about that.
“Well, how can you be Catholic if you say abstinence has a high failure rate?” said one.
“Yes, if you say sex is sacred, it must be within marriage, correct?” said the other.
I responded that while we do not deny abstinence to anyone (it does work!), many people find that abstinence does not work for them. And if that occurs, we want them to be safe, protect themselves and their partner, and use a condom. We also believe that sex can be sacred both inside and out of marriage.
“Oh! I get it! Abstain, but if you are not perfect, use a condom. I agree!”
They proceeded to gather tons of CFC materials, thanking me for our presence.
Yet another conversion (of sorts) here at the IAC 2008.
Erin
CFC at AIDS 2008: No Youth, No Change
On Sunday, I appeared in the Dutch Foreign Ministry/CHOICE’s Satellite Session, No Youth, No Change. The session aimed to explore issues of youth participation in the fight against HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the importance of youth taking part in activist efforts internationally and at home. I was present to connect issues of HIV prevention with religion, especially in regards to the moral responsibility of youth in stopping the spread of HIV.
My personal experience with this issue was paramount – having grown up going to Catholic high school and university, I experienced first hand the shameful lack of sexual education and resources on campus. At Georgetown University – one of the top 25 universities in the country – condoms are still not permitted to be distributed on campus. Yet Georgetown continues to hold on high its message of “cura personalis” – education of the whole person. How can one educate the whole person without education on how to protect oneself or the resources to do so?
The session was a huge success, with several different interactive components and a lively question and answer session at the end. We learned that youth participation must occur on an organizational level, has the power to bring new perspectives and ideas, and, above all, is necessary for the continued fight against the HIV epidemic. It was an honor to participate!
Erin
Saying the Right Thing
Catholics for Choice may have to take out a new insurance policy – for shock! On Sunday, a Tanzanian woman walked by the booth. Upon seeing our “Good Catholics use Condoms” message, she “had to sit down” – she had never seen Catholics promoting condom use.
She recounted that throughout her career fighting for reproductive rights, she had encountered vehement resistance from local bishops bent on denying sexual education and resources to those who needed it most.
One image had persisted in her mind – a pamphlet with a skeleton next to the words “condom user.” This was the sexual education present in the girls’ dormitory at a local Catholic boarding school. Talk about irreverent. She thanked us for our work and wished she had our posters and resources 20 years ago!
Erin
She recounted that throughout her career fighting for reproductive rights, she had encountered vehement resistance from local bishops bent on denying sexual education and resources to those who needed it most.
One image had persisted in her mind – a pamphlet with a skeleton next to the words “condom user.” This was the sexual education present in the girls’ dormitory at a local Catholic boarding school. Talk about irreverent. She thanked us for our work and wished she had our posters and resources 20 years ago!
Erin
The Condoms4Life Booth
Hi from the International AIDS Conference 2008!
With over 20,000 participants, the IAC 2008 has brought together activists, policy makers, doctors and theologians to join in the fight for Universal Action Now! (Acción Universal Ya!) We've been meeting tons of people from around the world - some who are new to the mission of CFC and Condoms4Life, others who are old friends of the organization. Almost everyone has been eager to take stickers, posters and postcards home to share with friends, colleagues and family.
In just the first few hours, we met people at our booth from:
Thailand
Canada
China
Zimbabwe
Kenya
Mexico
Malawi
US
Swaziland
India
Papua New Guinea
Cuba
UK
Uganda
Venezuela
Turks and Caicos
Anguilla
Guyana
Italy
Dominican Republic
Mozambique
Trinidad & Tobago
Bolivia
Chile
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Holland
Uruguay
Ghana
Korea
Spain
Haiti
Australia
New Zealand
Malawi
Hong Kong
Cambodia
Argentina
Peru
Switzerland
Honduras
Fiji
Indonesia
Cambodia
Guatemala
Nigeria
Colombia
Bangladesh
Singapore
Costa Rica
South Africa
Brazil
Panama
Cuba
Burkina Faso
... and many more since!
Erin
With over 20,000 participants, the IAC 2008 has brought together activists, policy makers, doctors and theologians to join in the fight for Universal Action Now! (Acción Universal Ya!) We've been meeting tons of people from around the world - some who are new to the mission of CFC and Condoms4Life, others who are old friends of the organization. Almost everyone has been eager to take stickers, posters and postcards home to share with friends, colleagues and family.
In just the first few hours, we met people at our booth from:
Thailand
Canada
China
Zimbabwe
Kenya
Mexico
Malawi
US
Swaziland
India
Papua New Guinea
Cuba
UK
Uganda
Venezuela
Turks and Caicos
Anguilla
Guyana
Italy
Dominican Republic
Mozambique
Trinidad & Tobago
Bolivia
Chile
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Holland
Uruguay
Ghana
Korea
Spain
Haiti
Australia
New Zealand
Malawi
Hong Kong
Cambodia
Argentina
Peru
Switzerland
Honduras
Fiji
Indonesia
Cambodia
Guatemala
Nigeria
Colombia
Bangladesh
Singapore
Costa Rica
South Africa
Brazil
Panama
Cuba
Burkina Faso
... and many more since!
Erin
Good Catholics Use Condoms
More than 130 people jammed into a room with fewer than 100 seats for the opening of the Catholics for Choice skills-building session, "Good Catholics use Condoms." Throughout the event, representatives from all sides of the debate, priests, advocates, workers with a variety of Catholic charities, policy makers and people living with HIV contributed to lively discussions and fascinating strategy debates during the three-hour-plus session.
Jon O'Brien, president of Catholics for Choice, set the scene, explaining the history of the Condoms4Life campaign and why the campaign is so vital. Teresa Lanza, from Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir in Bolivia, then outlined the findings of the recent multinational poll on Catholics and condoms, generating much discussion about the findings, as well as the value of polls.
Teresa spoke again in the next session in answering the tough questions on HIV and AIDS, along with María Mejía from Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir in Mexico, Bill Smith from SIECUS and Kevin Osborne from the International Planned Parenthood Federation. They each gave different perspectives on the various questions, again generating stimulating discussion and various different perspectives from an invigorated audience.
María Mejía then outlined the theological underpinnings of the Condoms4Life campaign, drawn from the recently updated pamphlet, "Sex in the HIV/AIDS Era." To view in Spanish, click here. In a thought-provoking interactive session, groups discussed some vital issues related to future strategies, including convincing policymakers that Catholics do not all follow the dictates of the church hierarchy and how to work in changing the teachings of the Vatican and attitudes of the hierarchy. Finally, David Nolan outlined some Communications Commandments, seeking to assist attendees in dealing with the media and other public-speaking opportunities.
A different team will present similar sessions on Wednesday in Spanish.
Jon O'Brien, president of Catholics for Choice, set the scene, explaining the history of the Condoms4Life campaign and why the campaign is so vital. Teresa Lanza, from Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir in Bolivia, then outlined the findings of the recent multinational poll on Catholics and condoms, generating much discussion about the findings, as well as the value of polls.
Teresa spoke again in the next session in answering the tough questions on HIV and AIDS, along with María Mejía from Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir in Mexico, Bill Smith from SIECUS and Kevin Osborne from the International Planned Parenthood Federation. They each gave different perspectives on the various questions, again generating stimulating discussion and various different perspectives from an invigorated audience.
María Mejía then outlined the theological underpinnings of the Condoms4Life campaign, drawn from the recently updated pamphlet, "Sex in the HIV/AIDS Era." To view in Spanish, click here. In a thought-provoking interactive session, groups discussed some vital issues related to future strategies, including convincing policymakers that Catholics do not all follow the dictates of the church hierarchy and how to work in changing the teachings of the Vatican and attitudes of the hierarchy. Finally, David Nolan outlined some Communications Commandments, seeking to assist attendees in dealing with the media and other public-speaking opportunities.
A different team will present similar sessions on Wednesday in Spanish.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Faith in Action Now! Ecumenical Pre-Conference Report
Catholics for Choice was active days before the opening of the AIDS 2008 conference in Mexico City through our participation in the Ecumenical Pre-Conference-Faith in Action Now! This important curtain-raiser to the AIDS 2008 conference brought together faith leaders and activists from all over the world representing a multitude of different faith groups. It was encouraging to see a variety of the delegates, including those from the Catholic tradition, backing the use of condoms to prevent the spread of HIV.
In the closing session of the pre-conference, Paul Bekker, AIDS Ambassador for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, highlighted a recent Catholics for Choice initiative, the Open Letter to the Pope, as being a vital action in developing more openness about HIV and AIDS the world over.
Bekker addressed the pre-conference on the subject of "The role of government and FBOs in bringing hope to communities affected by HIV." As he examined the role of Faith-Based Organizations, he referenced the sixty groups who signed on to the open letter as being an excellent example of the type of initiative that will bring change about. The person sitting beside him, Msgr. Gustavo Rodríguez, President of the National Social Commission of the Catholic church in Mexico, did not address the issue of prevention in his message.
The Open Letter to the Pope garnered an almost-unprecedented and immediate response from the Vatican, as well as attracting vast media attention around the world.
For more information about the Open Letter to the Pope, the Vatican's response and a selection of media coverage, visit our website at http://www.catholicsforchoice.org/
In the closing session of the pre-conference, Paul Bekker, AIDS Ambassador for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, highlighted a recent Catholics for Choice initiative, the Open Letter to the Pope, as being a vital action in developing more openness about HIV and AIDS the world over.
Bekker addressed the pre-conference on the subject of "The role of government and FBOs in bringing hope to communities affected by HIV." As he examined the role of Faith-Based Organizations, he referenced the sixty groups who signed on to the open letter as being an excellent example of the type of initiative that will bring change about. The person sitting beside him, Msgr. Gustavo Rodríguez, President of the National Social Commission of the Catholic church in Mexico, did not address the issue of prevention in his message.
The Open Letter to the Pope garnered an almost-unprecedented and immediate response from the Vatican, as well as attracting vast media attention around the world.
For more information about the Open Letter to the Pope, the Vatican's response and a selection of media coverage, visit our website at http://www.catholicsforchoice.org/
Católicos pedem ao Papa na XVII Conferência Internacional sobre AIDS: Fim da proibição aos preservativos
PARA INMEDIATA PUBLICAÇÃO
31 julho 2008
CONTATO:
em Washington, DC: Jen Heitel Yakush
+1-202-986-6093
no México: David Nolan
+1-202-492-6092
CIDADE DO MÉXICO—Quando milhares de pessoas se reunirem na Cidade do México para a 17a Conferência Internacional sobre AIDS, de 3 a 8 de agosto, os Catholics for Choice e suas organizações irmãs Latino Americanas, Católicos pelo Direito de Decidir, estarão chamando atenção à oposição Católica à proibição do Vaticano contra os preservativos, usando materiais desenvolvidos para a campanha Condoms4Life, www.Condoms4Life.org.
A partir da abertura da conferência, os participantes terão a chance de pedir ao Papa Benedict para retirar a proibição contra os preservativos num esforço para promover abordagens éticas, amplas e equilibradas para a prevenção do HIV. Como o Bispo da África do Sul Kevin Dowling observou, os preservativos são vitais para "conter a transmissão de um vírus mortal". A campanha apóia os Católicos no uso desses recursos que salvam e asseguram a vida e apela para a hierarquia para reunir outras pessoas na prevenção ativa da propagação do HIV/AIDS em todo o mundo.
De acordo com uma pesquisa recente realizada pelos Catholics for Choice, que entrevistou Católicos em Gana, Irlanda, México, Filipinas e Estados Unidos, o apoio em relação ao uso de preservativos entre os Católicos é esmagador. Quando perguntados se "o uso de preservativos é pró-vida porque ele ajuda a salvar vidas pela prevenção da disseminação da AIDS", a concordância foi de 90% dos Católicos no México, 86% na Irlanda, 79% nos EUA, 77% nas Filipinas e 59% em Gana. Infelizmente, a hierarquia Católica possui a maior parte do poder em países menos capazes de lidar com a doença, tanto em termos econômicos como médicos.
"Os Católicos em todo o mundo declaram de modo inequívoco que o uso de preservativos é a favor da vida e discordam da proibição do Vaticano em relação à contracepção, incluindo os preservativos", disse Jon O'Brien, presidente da Catholics for Choice. "Eles sabem, como sabem os muitos bispos e padres que têm se manifestado abertamente nos anos recentes, que os riscos são muito altos. A cada dia, mais pessoas são infectadas ou morrem de HIV e AIDS".
Os Catholics for Choice estarão engajados nos vários níveis da conferência, apresentando workshops de capacitação em Inglês e Espanhol, fazendo apresentações e discursos, e atraindo ativistas durante toda a semana.
"É essencial que os ativistas em todo o mundo -- Católicos ou não -- aprendam a verdade acerca do que os Católicos realmente pensam em relação ao uso de preservativos e desenvolvam argumentos em oposição às perigosas afirmações do Vaticano sobre eles", disse O'Brien.
"É crucial que o Vaticano aja rapidamente para retirar a proibição contra os preservativos. A proibição está tendo um impacto devastador no sul do globo e pessoas estão morrendo em decorrência disso", disse Teresa Lanza, diretora executiva das Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir na Bolívia. "No norte do globo é muito mais fácil para a pessoas ignorarem a proibição e comprarem preservativos. No sul do globo, em países menos privilegiados como a Bolívia -- onde a hierarquia Católica tem uma influência significativa na política pública e as pessoas geralmente dependem de recursos dominados por Católicos para terem acesso aos serviços de saúde -- o quadro é muito diferente. A proibição pode significar a diferença entre vida e morte. Eu peço insistentemente ao Vaticano para retirar a proibição imediatamente", prosseguiu Lanza.
Para mais informações, entre em contato em Washington, DC: Jen Heitel Yakush em +1 (202) 986-6093; no México: David Nolan em +1 (202) 492-6092. Para saber mais sobre a campanha Condoms4Life e por que Bons Católicos Usam Preservativo, visite www.Condoms4Life.org ou no México: Área D, Estande 415 na Área de Exposição.
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31 julho 2008
CONTATO:
em Washington, DC: Jen Heitel Yakush
+1-202-986-6093
no México: David Nolan
+1-202-492-6092
CIDADE DO MÉXICO—Quando milhares de pessoas se reunirem na Cidade do México para a 17a Conferência Internacional sobre AIDS, de 3 a 8 de agosto, os Catholics for Choice e suas organizações irmãs Latino Americanas, Católicos pelo Direito de Decidir, estarão chamando atenção à oposição Católica à proibição do Vaticano contra os preservativos, usando materiais desenvolvidos para a campanha Condoms4Life, www.Condoms4Life.org.
A partir da abertura da conferência, os participantes terão a chance de pedir ao Papa Benedict para retirar a proibição contra os preservativos num esforço para promover abordagens éticas, amplas e equilibradas para a prevenção do HIV. Como o Bispo da África do Sul Kevin Dowling observou, os preservativos são vitais para "conter a transmissão de um vírus mortal". A campanha apóia os Católicos no uso desses recursos que salvam e asseguram a vida e apela para a hierarquia para reunir outras pessoas na prevenção ativa da propagação do HIV/AIDS em todo o mundo.
De acordo com uma pesquisa recente realizada pelos Catholics for Choice, que entrevistou Católicos em Gana, Irlanda, México, Filipinas e Estados Unidos, o apoio em relação ao uso de preservativos entre os Católicos é esmagador. Quando perguntados se "o uso de preservativos é pró-vida porque ele ajuda a salvar vidas pela prevenção da disseminação da AIDS", a concordância foi de 90% dos Católicos no México, 86% na Irlanda, 79% nos EUA, 77% nas Filipinas e 59% em Gana. Infelizmente, a hierarquia Católica possui a maior parte do poder em países menos capazes de lidar com a doença, tanto em termos econômicos como médicos.
"Os Católicos em todo o mundo declaram de modo inequívoco que o uso de preservativos é a favor da vida e discordam da proibição do Vaticano em relação à contracepção, incluindo os preservativos", disse Jon O'Brien, presidente da Catholics for Choice. "Eles sabem, como sabem os muitos bispos e padres que têm se manifestado abertamente nos anos recentes, que os riscos são muito altos. A cada dia, mais pessoas são infectadas ou morrem de HIV e AIDS".
Os Catholics for Choice estarão engajados nos vários níveis da conferência, apresentando workshops de capacitação em Inglês e Espanhol, fazendo apresentações e discursos, e atraindo ativistas durante toda a semana.
"É essencial que os ativistas em todo o mundo -- Católicos ou não -- aprendam a verdade acerca do que os Católicos realmente pensam em relação ao uso de preservativos e desenvolvam argumentos em oposição às perigosas afirmações do Vaticano sobre eles", disse O'Brien.
"É crucial que o Vaticano aja rapidamente para retirar a proibição contra os preservativos. A proibição está tendo um impacto devastador no sul do globo e pessoas estão morrendo em decorrência disso", disse Teresa Lanza, diretora executiva das Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir na Bolívia. "No norte do globo é muito mais fácil para a pessoas ignorarem a proibição e comprarem preservativos. No sul do globo, em países menos privilegiados como a Bolívia -- onde a hierarquia Católica tem uma influência significativa na política pública e as pessoas geralmente dependem de recursos dominados por Católicos para terem acesso aos serviços de saúde -- o quadro é muito diferente. A proibição pode significar a diferença entre vida e morte. Eu peço insistentemente ao Vaticano para retirar a proibição imediatamente", prosseguiu Lanza.
Para mais informações, entre em contato em Washington, DC: Jen Heitel Yakush em +1 (202) 986-6093; no México: David Nolan em +1 (202) 492-6092. Para saber mais sobre a campanha Condoms4Life e por que Bons Católicos Usam Preservativo, visite www.Condoms4Life.org ou no México: Área D, Estande 415 na Área de Exposição.
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Los católicos en la XVII Conferencia Internacional sobre SIDA le dicen al Papa: Levante la prohibición a los condones
Para Distribución Inmediata
31 de julio 2008
CONTACTO:
En Washington, DC: Jen Heitel Yakush
+1-202-986-6093
En México David Nolan
+1-202-492-6092
CIUDAD DE MÉXICO—Mientras miles de personas se reúnen en Ciudad de México para la 17ma. Conferencia Internacional sobre el SIDA los días 3-8 de agosto de 2008, la organización Catholics for Choice y sus organizaciones hermanas en Latinoamérica, Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir, destacarán la oposición de los católicos a la prohibición del Vaticano con respecto a los condones o preservativos, utilizando materiales desarrollados para la campaña Condoms4Life, www.Condoms4Life.org.
Desde la apertura de la conferencia, los asistentes tendrán oportunidad de pedir al Papa Benedicto que levante la prohibición a los condones y se una a los esfuerzos para promover enfoques éticos, equilibrados e integrales para la prevención del VIH. Como destacó el obispo sudafricano Kevin Dowling, los condones son vitales "para detener la transmisión de un virus que causa la muerte". La campaña respalda el uso por parte de los católicos de estos dispositivos que salvan y afirman la vida, y apela a la jerarquía a que se una a otros en la prevención activa contra la difusión del VIH/SIDA en todo el mundo.
Según una encuesta reciente encargada por Catholics for Choice, en la que se entrevistó a católicos de Ghana, Irlanda, México, Filipinas y Estados Unidos, el respaldo al uso del condón entre los católicos es abrumador. Cuando se les preguntó si "el uso de condones es pro-vida, ya que salva vidas al evitar la difusión del SIDA", estuvo de acuerdo el 90% de los católicos de México, el 86% en Irlanda, el 79% en los Estados Unidos, el 77% en Filipinas y el 59% en Ghana. Desafortunadamente, la posición de la jerarquía católica tiene mayor influencia en los países con menor capacidad para manejar económica y médicamente la enfermedad.
"Los católicos de todo el mundo manifiestan en forma inequívoca que el uso de condones es pro-vida, y discrepan de la prohibición del Vaticano sobre la anticoncepción, en la que se incluye al condón", dijo Jon O'Brien, presidente de Catholics for Choice. "Ellos saben, como lo saben muchos obispos y sacerdotes que han hablado en público en años recientes, que es mucho lo que está en juego. Cada día más gente se infecta o muere a causa del VIH y el SIDA."
Catholics for Choice participará en diversos niveles de la conferencia, presentando talleres de desarrollo de capacidades en inglés y en español, dando presentaciones y charlas, y comprometiendo a activistas a lo largo de la semana.
"Es esencial que activistas de todo el mundo, católicos o no, sepan la verdad sobre lo que realmente piensan los católicos sobre el uso del condón, y que desarrollen argumentos para contrarrestar las peligrosas aseveraciones del Vaticano respecto a ellos", dijo O'Brien.
"Es crítico que el Vaticano se mueva rápidamente para levantar la prohibición sobre los condones. La prohibición está teniendo un impacto devastador en el hemisferio sur, y a consecuencia de ello la gente se muere", declaró Teresa Lanza, directora ejecutiva de Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir en Bolivia. "En el hemisferio norte, para la gente es mucho más fácil ignorar la prohibición y comprar condones. En el hemisferio sur, en países más desfavorecidos como Bolivia, donde la jerarquía católica tiene una influencia significativa en las políticas públicas, y la gente a menudo se apoya en instituciones con administración católica para tener acceso a la atención médica, el panorama es muy diferente. La prohibición significa la diferencia entre la vida y la muerte. Yo urjo al Vaticano a que levante de inmediato la prohibición", continuó Lanza.
Para obtener más información comuníquese en Washington, DC con Jen Heitel Yakush en el +1 (202) 986-6093; en México con David Nolan en el +1 (202) 492-6092. Para conocer más sobre la campaña Condoms4Life y por qué los buenos católicos usan condones, visite www.Condoms4Life.org, o en México: Área D, Stand 415 en el Área de Exposición.
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31 de julio 2008
CONTACTO:
En Washington, DC: Jen Heitel Yakush
+1-202-986-6093
En México David Nolan
+1-202-492-6092
CIUDAD DE MÉXICO—Mientras miles de personas se reúnen en Ciudad de México para la 17ma. Conferencia Internacional sobre el SIDA los días 3-8 de agosto de 2008, la organización Catholics for Choice y sus organizaciones hermanas en Latinoamérica, Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir, destacarán la oposición de los católicos a la prohibición del Vaticano con respecto a los condones o preservativos, utilizando materiales desarrollados para la campaña Condoms4Life, www.Condoms4Life.org.
Desde la apertura de la conferencia, los asistentes tendrán oportunidad de pedir al Papa Benedicto que levante la prohibición a los condones y se una a los esfuerzos para promover enfoques éticos, equilibrados e integrales para la prevención del VIH. Como destacó el obispo sudafricano Kevin Dowling, los condones son vitales "para detener la transmisión de un virus que causa la muerte". La campaña respalda el uso por parte de los católicos de estos dispositivos que salvan y afirman la vida, y apela a la jerarquía a que se una a otros en la prevención activa contra la difusión del VIH/SIDA en todo el mundo.
Según una encuesta reciente encargada por Catholics for Choice, en la que se entrevistó a católicos de Ghana, Irlanda, México, Filipinas y Estados Unidos, el respaldo al uso del condón entre los católicos es abrumador. Cuando se les preguntó si "el uso de condones es pro-vida, ya que salva vidas al evitar la difusión del SIDA", estuvo de acuerdo el 90% de los católicos de México, el 86% en Irlanda, el 79% en los Estados Unidos, el 77% en Filipinas y el 59% en Ghana. Desafortunadamente, la posición de la jerarquía católica tiene mayor influencia en los países con menor capacidad para manejar económica y médicamente la enfermedad.
"Los católicos de todo el mundo manifiestan en forma inequívoca que el uso de condones es pro-vida, y discrepan de la prohibición del Vaticano sobre la anticoncepción, en la que se incluye al condón", dijo Jon O'Brien, presidente de Catholics for Choice. "Ellos saben, como lo saben muchos obispos y sacerdotes que han hablado en público en años recientes, que es mucho lo que está en juego. Cada día más gente se infecta o muere a causa del VIH y el SIDA."
Catholics for Choice participará en diversos niveles de la conferencia, presentando talleres de desarrollo de capacidades en inglés y en español, dando presentaciones y charlas, y comprometiendo a activistas a lo largo de la semana.
"Es esencial que activistas de todo el mundo, católicos o no, sepan la verdad sobre lo que realmente piensan los católicos sobre el uso del condón, y que desarrollen argumentos para contrarrestar las peligrosas aseveraciones del Vaticano respecto a ellos", dijo O'Brien.
"Es crítico que el Vaticano se mueva rápidamente para levantar la prohibición sobre los condones. La prohibición está teniendo un impacto devastador en el hemisferio sur, y a consecuencia de ello la gente se muere", declaró Teresa Lanza, directora ejecutiva de Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir en Bolivia. "En el hemisferio norte, para la gente es mucho más fácil ignorar la prohibición y comprar condones. En el hemisferio sur, en países más desfavorecidos como Bolivia, donde la jerarquía católica tiene una influencia significativa en las políticas públicas, y la gente a menudo se apoya en instituciones con administración católica para tener acceso a la atención médica, el panorama es muy diferente. La prohibición significa la diferencia entre la vida y la muerte. Yo urjo al Vaticano a que levante de inmediato la prohibición", continuó Lanza.
Para obtener más información comuníquese en Washington, DC con Jen Heitel Yakush en el +1 (202) 986-6093; en México con David Nolan en el +1 (202) 492-6092. Para conocer más sobre la campaña Condoms4Life y por qué los buenos católicos usan condones, visite www.Condoms4Life.org, o en México: Área D, Stand 415 en el Área de Exposición.
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Catholics at XVII International AIDS Conference Tell Pope: End Ban on Condoms
For Immediate Release
31 July 2008
Media Contact:
In Washington, DC: Jen Heitel Yakush
+1 (202) 986-6093
In Mexico: David Nolan
+1 (202) 492-6092
In Mexico: David Nolan
+1 (202) 492-6092
Mexico City—As thousands gather in Mexico City for the 17th International AIDS Conference August 3-8, 2008, Catholics for Choice and its Latin American sister organizations, Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir, will be highlighting Catholic opposition to the Vatican’s ban on condoms using materials developed for the Condoms4Life campaign, http://www.condoms4life.org/.
From the opening moments of the conference, attendees will have a chance to ask Pope Benedict to lift the ban on condoms and join in efforts to promote ethical, comprehensive and balanced approaches to HIV prevention. As South African Bishop Kevin Dowling noted, condoms are vital “to stop transmission of a death-dealing virus.” The campaign supports Catholics in using these life-saving and life-affirming devices and calls on the hierarchy to join others in the active prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS throughout the world.
According to a recent poll commissioned by Catholics for Choice, which interviewed Catholics in Ghana, Ireland, Mexico, the Philippines and the United States, support for condom use among Catholics is overwhelming. When asked if “using condoms is prolife because it helps save lives by preventing the spread of AIDS,” 90% of Catholics in Mexico, 86% in Ireland, 79% in the US, 77% in the Philippines and 59% in Ghana agreed. Unfortunately, the Catholic hierarchy’s position holds the most sway in the countries least able to deal economically and medically with the disease.
“Catholics the world over unequivocally state that using condoms is prolife and disagree with the Vatican’s ban on contraception, including condoms,” said Jon O’Brien, president of Catholics for Choice. “They know, as do the many bishops and priests who have been speaking out in recent years, that the stakes are too high. Every day, more people are infected or are dying from HIV and AIDS.”
Catholics for Choice will be engaged at various levels of the conference, presenting skills-building workshops in English and Spanish, making presentations and speeches, and engaging activists throughout the week.
“It is essential that activists around the world—Catholic or not—learn the truth about what Catholics really think concerning condom use and develop arguments to counter the Vatican’s dangerous claims about them,” said O’Brien.
“It is critical that the Vatican moves quickly to lift the ban on condoms. The ban is having a devastating impact in the global south and people are dying as a result,” said Teresa Lanza, executive director of Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir in Bolivia. “In the global north, it's much easier for people to ignore the ban and buy condoms. In the global south, in less privileged countries such as Bolivia—where the Catholic hierarchy has significant influence on public policy and people often rely on Catholic–run facilities to access health care—the picture is very different. The ban can mean the difference between life and death. I urge the Vatican to lift the ban immediately,” continued Lanza.
For more information, please contact in Washington, DC: Jen Heitel Yakush at +1 (202) 986-6093; in Mexico: David Nolan at +1 (202) 492-6092. To learn more about the Condoms4Life campaign and why Good Catholics Use Condoms, visit http://www.condoms4life.org/ or in Mexico: Area D, Booth 415 in the Exhibition Area.
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Catholics for Choice shapes and advances sexual and reproductive ethics that are based on justice, reflect a commitment to women’s well being and respect and affirm the moral capacity of women and men to make decisions about their lives.
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