Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1986. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - December 7, 1986
"In the issue of AIDS, such use implies either heterosexual promiscuity or homosexual activity," Archbishop Roger Mahony said in a statement. "The church approves of neither."
Catholic Church doctrine prohibits the use of contraceptives. The church has said that abstinence is a way of avoiding AIDS.
"Condoms are not the focus of our work," the AIDS project's executive director, Paula Van Ness, said. "We don't sell condoms. We don't actually even promote them. Our intergrity is under attack."
In the seminars of AIDS Project Los Angeles, she said: "It was clearly stated that the use of condoms is not condoned by the Catholic Church. It was discussed in the context of public health measures that are currently being used throughout the world in the control of AIDS."
A spokesman for Archbishop Mahony said the withdrawal of support from AIDS Project Los Angeles was not a sign that the archdiocese would not back other AIDS groups.
AIDS Project Los Angeles is primarily an educational program. It has set up seminars specifically for the Spanish-speaking community. Presentations include explicit descriptions on the use of condoms as a method to prevent transmission of the AIDS virus.
Archbishop Mahony and his staff initially supported the program but had been unaware of the explicit endorsement of condom usage, according to the Rev. Joseph Battaglia, director of communications for the archdiocese. "The archdiocese was first approached by A.P.L.A. only to alert and invite Spanish-speaking people to a workshop and to provide space for that meeting," Father Battaglia said. "Co-sponsorship was never envisioned."
The first program was presented last week. Four others had been scheduled for next month at some of the archdiocese's 160 Spanish-speaking parishes, but they will not be held.
AIDS, which cripples the body's immune system, is caused by a virus believed to be passed through blood and semen, but not through casual contact.
861207
AP861207
Copyright © 1986 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1986. 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, 1986. 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. .