Should schools be supplied with condoms to hand out to pupils?
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Government is pressing ahead with plans to distribute
condoms to schools in an effort to combat teen pregnancy and HIV transmission
amongst pupils, reports News24. Supporters have welcomed what they say is a
positive move in protecting school kids, but others have suggested that the
distribution of condoms to schools could encourage pupils to engage in
risk-taking sexual activities.
Scary stats
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi insists the distribution of
condoms is beneficial in South Africa which has, according to the report, “a
population of around 50 million [and] recorded about 94 000 unplanned teen
pregnancies in schools last year, of which 77 000 ended in abortions. In
addition, one in every 11 people is infected with HIV.”
“We are not going to go to schools, line up pupils and distribute
condoms, rather, if children ask for contraceptives, including condoms, we will
meet that demand”.
"If a young person comes asking for services, including condoms, nobody
expects us to refuse. They are just coming out in the open to say they are
sexually active," he said.
Critics insist that kids will see the provision of condoms as an excuse to have sex.
Governing bodies of schools are said to have the final say
in the condom distribution project.
What do you think? Should condoms be made available to
schools?
By: Scott Dunlop