Since the conference's official opening yesterday morning, CFC has been in the thick of it. From hosting a workshop during the youth pre-conference and gathering young people for a networking reception with leaders from the Global AIDS Alliance and International Planned Parenthood Federation, the Condoms4Life campaign has connected with Catholics, especially young Catholics, from around the world. People, especially youths, have shared their stories and told us exactly why they think that the bishops' stance on condoms is wrong.
Not included in our forthcoming videos are those who, because of the work for and with Catholic hospitals and schools, were afraid of losing their jobs if they appeared on camera. There was the pharmacist from a Catholic hospital in New Jersey who told me that he used to fill "condom prescriptions" until hospital administrators cracked down on the practice. There was a nurse from Canada whose article supporting contraception to prevent HIV and AIDS was recently featured in a medical journal - and who had to speak with her Catholic hospital's CEO to make sure she wouldn't face repercussions for doing so. We've met clergy from India and educators from the Philippines who have resisted their ultra-conservative bishops to talk about condoms, sexual health and protecting oneself and one's loved ones.
"When the priests who run the schools ask me if I will mention condoms, I tell them this," said one sexual educator from Manila. "I say, 'I will not mention condoms, but if the children ask, I cannot lie to them. I bring them just in case.'"
No comments:
Post a Comment