Madam, - You claim that "moral attitudes have become more responsible and better informed" (Editorial, October 17th), an opinion hardly borne out by the 243 per cent increase in sexually transmitted diseases between 1998 and 2003. Seemingly, the panacea proposed to prevent these diseases is more condoms and pills, despite the overwhelming evidence from Britain and elsewhere that this does not have the desired result. In fact, it just leads to increased promiscuity.
The heading on your Editorial refers to relationships but the overall survey gives little relevance to these. While condoms may prevent some pregnancies and lessen the chances of becoming infected with an STD, it should be pointed out that there is a disclaimer on the packet of condoms and some diseases are transmitted through skin contact.
What a message is being transmitted to our young people: indulge in sexual activity at an earlier and earlier age but be sure to use a condom or procure a "morning-after" pill. What research has been done on the effect of constant use of the latter?
Moral attitudes will become more responsible when people indulge in sexual activity only when there is an intimate personal relationship involved. Otherwise, the promiscuity so prevalent at present will continue to lead to heartbreak and a further rise in sexually transmitted diseases. - Yours, etc,
Mrs MARY STEWART, Ardeskin, Donegal Town.