"How Much is Too Much for Anti-AIDS Ads?"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1989. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"How Much is Too Much for Anti-AIDS Ads?"

Associated Press (12/18/89)
Geitner, Paul

Abstract: New York--Public officials and advertising firms are having a difficult time developing public service messages that will reach groups at risk for AIDS without offending the public at large. One controversial ad, which has only aired on late-night cable TV in New York, ends with the message to "rubber up for safety." The ad features a male actor describing a romantic date in which he and another man enjoyed "safer sex." Other campaigns have also met with opposition from community groups and some members of the medical and scientific community. One opponent of the New York ad, Dr. Elizabeth M. Whelan of the American Council on Science and Health, says her group opposes the New York ads because condoms are not 100 percent effective. She also pans them for portraying homosexuality or sex outside marriage as acceptable. Reed V. Tuckson, Washington, D.C., Public Health Commissioner, says the ads are not offensive: "What is offensive and insulting is not to give people information that can help save their lives."

891218
AD892682

Copyright © 1989 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1989. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1989. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.