On Dec. 1 Catholics for Choice and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (NLIRH) collaborated to produce two Spanish-language radio ads in New York City. The radio ads, launched to mark World AIDS Day, will run on Spanish-language radio in NYC through Dec. 14.
Both ads aim to inform the public about the importance of using condoms, a taboo subject within Latino and Catholic communities. One of the two public service announcements features a grandmother talking about her gay grandson and her belief as a catholic woman to use condoms not only to protect oneself but those you love.
“My grandson came to me and told me he was in love with a man, later he told me he heard that like a good catholic he wasn’t supposed to use a condom, I told him, ‘Go ahead son, who raised you? I took care of you because I love you and if you love that man you will also take care of him, make sure you use a condom.’ I am a Catholic woman and for me there isn’t anything more important than protecting the family and love; that’s why I talked to my grandson about condoms.”
Silvia Henriquez, executive director of NLIRH says they collaborated with Catholics for Choice on the Condoms4Life campaign because of the rise in HIV infections plaguing the Latino community. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in 2006 Latinos accounted for 17 percent of all new infections of HIV in the U.S. “Many good Catholics believe in the right of women to choose when and if they will have children; about the importance to use protection when people decide to have intercourse. We know that the Catholic Church may not allow or does not believe that condoms protect against AIDS … but we do believe that it’s important that all people have access to condoms?” asked Henriquez.
Henriquez explained how the institute, which predominantly focuses on Latina women’s issues, tied in the radio ad aimed at dispelling myths about Latinos, gays and the Catholic Church. “We know that all Latina women have an example like the grandmother with her grandson; these types of conversations about sexuality, reproductive health and general health is something very important that impacts us all. Our organization does focus on Latina women’s health, but women are a part of a community and families. We believe it’s important that these conversations occur in every family and households and that women take a role in assuring that there partners and friends; children or families protect themselves against AIDS and other diseases.” said, Henriquez. Concluding that with proper funding more ads would roll out in 2009 across the U.S.
To listen to the radio ads visit condoms4life.org.