Condom Warnings on the Way?

The Food and Drug Administration has unveiled draft guidelines for condom manufacturers that include requiring condom labels to state that the prophylactics 'greatly reduce but do not eliminate' the risk of HIV infection or pregnancy. The labels also would state that condoms offer even less protection against certain other sexually transmitted diseases, including herpes and human papillomavirus, and stress that those containing the spermicide nonoxynol-9 may boost HIV infection risks. Presently condom labels are required only to include warnings about possible allergic reactions to latex. The changes were urged by right-wing members of Congress who question the effectiveness of condoms and urge abstinence to prevent HIV and STDs. Opponents of the label change say any suggestions that condoms are ineffective could dissuade people from using them altogether. The proposed guidelines are open for comment during a 90-day review period ending February 13; you can submit your comments online by visiting the FDA's Web site.