Access to condoms makes a difference

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I read with dismay George Davis' response (Gleaner, 'Erase the stupid idea of giving students condoms', May 22, 2013) to the idea of putting condoms in school. While I won't call him stupid, I will respectfully disagree with him.

I grew up in a family of counsellors. I had teachers, Christians; you name it, I've had access to it.

I was one of the unfortunate hundreds of thousands not to have sex education (not that I can remember) in the dark days of the 1990s when it was not readily available. I was, however, well read on the subject.

That said, when I had my first sexual experience, for some strange reason I remembered none of the information I had received. I do remember being embarrassed to go to the pharmacy and purchase condoms. I did proceed regardless of the lack of condoms. I do remember my shame outweighing the risks of going bareback.

While I can't say that I have the answer to the condoms-in-school quandary, I do know that had I been given a condom, I would've used it, and condom or not, I was going to have sex.

Condoms in school or not, I will leave to bright minds like Mr Davis. Stupid people like me and my circle will ensure that our children are armed with the information to make their own decisions and the tools to protect themselves should they follow the path we have already trod.

REES HINES

rees_jm@yahoo.com