Do the means justify the end?

THE EDITOR: I agree wholeheartedly that the need is extremely urgent to deliver and teach a holistic curriculum as it relates to reproductive health and human sexuality, and notwithstanding the views of those who feel nothing is being done or ever so little to satisfy the cravings of an apparently sex-crazy and sexually curious segment of our population, namely our youth.

The questions which arise are — is the wanton distribution of condoms and its attendant literature a justified means to create the desired awareness, and abiding education on reproductive health and human sexuality on their targetted audience? Does the group envisage that their almost clandestine action could truly affect in a positive way the same youths they are so concerned about at this time in our nation’s evolution? Further does this group believe that their crusading action would help in equipping our young people/school population in making the appropriate choices, when it comes to what I term, a very mature decision — that is deciding whether to engage in sexual intercourse?

Editor, the fact that primary and secondary school children and other young people are engaging in irresponsible and unprotected sex, to my mind, can in no way justify the actions of Advocates for Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (AYSRHR), however well intended the organistaion. Therefore, I ask, are we to engage in a “panic frenzy”, and believe that such a dramatic move geared as the group advocates, to heighten the need for reproductive health and human sexuality education in the primary and secondary school curriculum could be seen as the panacea of what seems to be a runaway train?

What about proper moral and values education? What about abstinence or just saying No? Yes, I agree that regardless of the medium used, formal or informal, radical or otherwise, there would be those who are most vulnerable, the ones we are very concerned about, who we are seeking to reach, who would go out and make inappropriate choices. Sad to say these are inappropriate choices, leads to great pain and suffering later on and sees our youths/young people suffering the dire consequences of teenage pregnancy, unwanted pregnancies, and runs the risk of contracting the HIV/AIDS virus and other STDs. In the midst of all this sexual liberation, the one who often suffers is not the male, but the female. Thus, I return to my original question, — “does the means justify the end”?

I truly hope and pray that we would as stakeholders in this process adopt a holistic approach to this sensitive issue. We must never forget, that sex is a gift from Almighty God, to be used wisely — it is to be cherished. It is not to be entered into wantonly or as an experiment, or because others are doing it. It is not to be engaged in as a result of peer pressure. Sex must be seen as a responsible act. Do our young people view sex as a responsible act?

Editor, how responsible are our primary and secondary school children, when it comes to human sexuality, reproductive health and health and family life issues? Does the clandestine or radical/revolutionary distribution of condoms and the attendant literature, by Advocates of Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights as they believe, achieve the goal(s) of this organisation? Human sexuality, reproductive health, moral values and family life education, I would unreservedly support and encourage others to do so. But the distribution of condoms in and around our schools or other places of learning to our young people, who are in the main innocent and curious, I cannot support. 

Thus, I make a plea for all the stakeholders to work towards a holistic solution and continuing informed education re — this crisis, which has engulfed our nation. “Does the means justify the ends?” or “Does the ends justify the means?”

Fr E PRIMUS
High Street
Princes Town