September 21, 2007

Religion’s Stance on Prevention in Nigeria

Nigerian religious organizations’ inability to accept family planning—such as the use of condoms—is fueling the spread of HIV, says Beatrice Nwibechukwu, the South East regional director of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria.

On Tuesday, Nwibechukwu urged religious leaders to reconsider their stance on condom use, citing the important role of churches, non-government organizations and the media in promoting family planning and reproductive health issues.

Nwibechukwu also claimed that “billings/natural or calendar” methods promoted by church leaders are inadequate forms of contraception, and explained that use of artificial devices prevents transmission of STDS and ovulation, and do not “terminate the life of an unborn baby.”