Anthony Zimmerman

Promotion of condom usage to prevent HIV infection is a short- term solution, argues Anthony Zimmerman in the following viewpoint. Zimmerman contends that in the long run, encouraging condom use will actually increase the spread of AIDS because condoms encourage promiscuity, especially among teenagers, and because condoms are not a reliable barrier against HIV infection. Even if they use a condom, promiscuous teens have a high chance of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, he maintains. Zimmerman is a Catholic priest and a frequent contributor to Fidelity, a monthly Catholic magazine.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What percentage of condom usage prevents HIV infection, according to the World Health Organization study cited by Zimmerman?
2. What two reasons does the author give to support his contention that condom usage will...