Shannon KeoughIt is no surprise to me that some schools and stores are now giving out free condoms. One of the biggest questions that come to the minds of many is whether or not the distribution of free condoms promotes promiscuity or a healthier sexual life.
In my opinion, giving out free condoms does not promote a healthy sex life in any way. I believe that the free distribution promotes promiscuity because it is making condoms easily accessible to everyone. It is almost like shouting to the world that everyone can have as much sex as possible without worrying about sexually transmitted diseases or unplanned pregnancies.
Modern movies, music and television promote sexual promiscuity as “cool” and something to do because everyone else is doing it. I think that now having a free distribution of condoms supports all of the messages in today’s world that promiscuity is cool; therefore, they are now available to everyone so everyone can be placed in the same category.
I also believe that handing out free condoms is like saying that one does not have to think through their actions or show responsibility because they are so easily accessible. I know that condoms are pretty expensive to purchase, but at least when they have to be bought, one can think through the purchase about what may or may not happen.
Some people will look at the free condoms as a way to sleep with many different people while being “safe.” Condoms are said to be a safe form of birth control, but can one really trust them? Condoms do not work all of the time. According to leaderu.com, an online resource base sponsored by the Christian Leadership Ministries, condoms are known to have a 14 percent failure rate. A condom could easily break or have a hole the size of a pin making it completely useless. Also, many people do not know how to use them correctly or consistently, which is like not using one at all.
Because of these defective condoms, a countless number of unplanned pregnancies end in abortion each year. About 54 percent of women who have had abortions blame the pregnancy on a failed contraceptive. Sexually transmitted diseases are also easily spread. The most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States is the human papillomavirus also known as HPV in which a condom gives virtually no protection.
The mass production of these free condoms is most likely done under a generic brand for cost reduction. Businesses and schools are not going to give out an expensive brand that is supposed to be trustworthy such as the famed Trojan brand. Many who rely on these free condoms think that they are just as good as the name brands sold in stores. Anything mass produced cheaply has flaws and I do not think condoms should be in this category.
I am not one of those people who are completely against sex. I am just against the idea of promiscuity, which in my opinion is defined as sleeping around with many different people and engaging in what is called the “one-night stand.” I believe that one should only engage in sexual acts with someone they trusts and have deep feelings for. It also does not hurt to get tested for a sexually transmitted disease before possibly infecting one’s partner.
When it comes to safety, condoms are a good choice, but all actions should be thought through as well as the possible outcomes. I would also research different brands to try and pick the safest one. I would certainly not buy a brand that I have never heard of or accept a brand that is given away for free.
