Condoms Affect Women’s Lives

Condoms have more of an affect on women than many of you might think. In poorer countries, access to condoms can mean the difference between life and death — and not because of disease.

The toll of pregnancy can be devastating to women, regardless of their occupation. A recent study tracks the deaths of both mother and child. Many of the pregnancies were unplanned and probably unwanted. Condoms can prevent this.

A large part of this study took place in Asia and South Africa, where sex work is common and AIDS is rampant. Lack of condoms and international funding for condoms and condom-education impacts all women and their children, not just sex workers.

And the U.N. announced that empowering women helps the world. Part of that empowerment is educating women on condom usage (disease prevention and an aid in family planning) and to give women the courage to insist their partners use condoms.

This advancement for women is an advancement for sex workers. Regardless of your stance on sex worker rights, their basic rights as humans and women is undeniable. They need as much protection from disease and possibly fatal pregnancies as any woman.

It’s amazing what a little piece of latex and some education can do.