Mr. Martel fails to mention that the study he refers to in his letter confirms reports that correct and consistent use of condoms can reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission. The study also states that the use of condoms can prevent men from acquiring gonorrhea from female partners.

I ask your readers to also consider that abstinence is not 100 percent effective either. Studies have shown that people define abstinence differently. A survey conducted by University Health Services at Northern Illinois University in 1994 showed that people’s definitions of abstinence range from sexual thoughts about another person (90.6 percent) to manual stimulation to orgasm of another person (63.2 percent).

The survey lists other behaviors to define abstinence; some would be too shocking to print.

My point here is that as educators (parents are the prime educators), it is our responsibility to educate youth on the risks associated with sexual activity. To ignore the fact that youth are sexually active is irresponsible. Condoms are not 100 percent effective, but they do provide protection and are better to use than nothing at all.

William Smith,

Lawrence