Letters: Ban on condom ads

The justification put forward for the ban on condom ads is that they are sexually explicit and titillating and do not respect cultural sensitivity

The latest advisory by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to television channels banning condom ads between 6 am and 10 pm on the grounds that they are “indecent” and can “impact children” is a short-sighted intervention that can undo the gains in public health made by the aggressive condom use campaign. Condom use goes a long way in preventing sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies and abortions. The fact that it is essential to ensure safe sex, avoid teenage pregnancies and succeed in family planning programmes validates condom ads. Condoms are a tribute to human ingenuity.
 
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