risamarie

Question of the day: Should the human right to health include the right for all people to have access to basic HIV education and subsidized (or free) condoms, both provided by the government?

Example, the Philippines is 85% Catholic. The national government refuses to subsidize condoms or require HIV education in classrooms, instead relying on promoting abstinence. The government (rightfully) claims that condoms are widely availabe for purchase but this means nothing to those who can't afford them. In some areas ocal health workers are forbidden from advocating condoms are an effective means of reducing risk of HIV transmission. With women being more heavily affected (and infected) by HIV/AIDS, the government's policy could, in the extreme, be seen as discrimination about poor women.

I don't like messing with religion. While not religious myself, I recognize that some people need it, so I'm hesitant to put the full force of my rath on the Philippine government. At the same time, I believe individuals should be able to make informed decision regarding the teachings of the church and ultimately about condom use.

Did I say question of the day? Oops. I meant soapbox topic of the day.