Spain's bishops say use of condoms, even to prevent AIDS, is immoral

Published: 2005-01-20

BARCELONA, Spain (CNS) -- Spain's bishops said they have not changed their opinion about condoms and regard their use in any situation as "immoral sexual conduct." This statement, released by the bishops' conference Jan. 19, ended a day of speculation and surprise following remarks by the bishops' spokesman that condoms have a role to play in tackling the spread of AIDS. After a meeting with Spain's health minister Jan. 18, Jesuit Father Juan Antonio Martinez Camino told reporters that "condoms have their context in the integral and global prevention of AIDS." His comment received widespread coverage in the Spanish and international press. Late Jan. 19, however, the official statement of the bishops' conference said, "In no way has the church modified doctrine on the use of condoms." The statement reiterated that Father Martinez had been speaking in the context of a recent report published by the medical journal, The Lancet. In its November 2004 issue, the journal endorsed the so-called "ABC method" of combating HIV/AIDS, which has proved effective in prevention programs in Uganda. ABC stands for "Abstain; Be faithful/reduce partners; use Condoms."

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