"A Condom Too Far"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1990. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"A Condom Too Far"

Economist (12/15-21/90) Vol. 317, No. 7685, P. 27

Abstract: ACT UP may go too far in its campaign for unrestricted distribution of condoms in New York City high schools, write the editors of the Economist. Their disruptive pressure tactics have proven very effective at encouraging the U.S. government to speed approval of new drugs for terminal patients, but their extremism may backfire in the case of the condom plan. Although they have helped persuade five of the seven-member city Board of Education to support the radical plan in principle, at least three of five members share concerns of parents that medical professionals or trained adults are needed to counsel the children who seek condoms. The parents worry that without safeguards the free condoms, rather than fight AIDS and teen pregnancy, will encourage teen sexual activity. The condom program could fail its January vote unless parental concerns are assuaged at a cost that will not further tax the city's strapped education budget, and at its recent weekly meeting in Greenwich Village, ACT UP members seemed fiercely committed to condoms on demand, write the editors.

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