Fridae

Over the past 15 years, the European Commission has supported numerous research projects to study - directly or indirectly - condom use as a preventive measure against STDs including HIV/AIDS.

The projects were conducted in Europe, Asia and Africa. Each study concluded that the male condom is an effective way to prevent transmission of HIV, with close to 100 percent efficacy when used properly.

"I rely on statements that are based on sound scientific evidence - and we can demonstrate that condoms are the best way to prevent HIV infection. Statements not supported by sound scientific evidence are not plausible," said European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin.

The European Commission-funded project, "Assessment of Methods for Finding Holes in Condoms," evaluated their safety and effectiveness. Researchers on the project analyzed water, ion and air permeability for setting quality control standards for condoms. Their conclusions were used to standardize the evaluation methods for producing safer and more secure condoms.

A European multicenter study funded by the European Commission through several research projects including "AIDS: Heterosexual Transmission" and "EC Concerted Action on the Heterosexual Transmission of HIV," followed 563 couples with one seropositive partner over 12-21 months. Among the 123 couples using condoms for each instance of vaginal or anal intercourse, no seroconversions occurred. Among 122 partners who did not regularly use condoms, 12 seroconversions occurred. The consortium concluded that no HIV transmission occurs among systematic condom users.

Another EU-funded project studied 866 female European prostitutes. "HIV Infection in Female Prostitutes" concluded that HIV infections were associated with a lack of condom use, and stated that petroleum-based lubricants can diminish the efficacy of condoms.

The Catholic Church had recently pounced upon doubts over the porosity of latex condoms and encouraged Catholics everywhere to refrain from using condoms.

The Vatican as well as the US religious right groups - including the Bush Administration - promote abstinence as protection against the contraction of HIV/AIDS through sexual contact.