Illinois Governor Puts Kibosh On Flavored Condoms

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Illinois’ governor is pulling the plug on flavored and colored condoms. Gov. Rod Blagojevich is ordering the state public health department not to buy any more of the lively condoms.

A spokeswoman for the governor said Blagojevich feels the condoms are inappropriate because they encourage sexual activity.

But some health workers are disappointed by the decision. One outreach specialist, Dante Bryant, says the condoms in bright colors and flavors were able to catch the attention of young people.

“That’s the generation we’re trying to get because they’re engaging in risky behavior,” Bryant said.

Bryant said the center gets flavored and colored condoms from the state and then distributes them at bars or areas frequented by drug users to promote safe sex.

The Public Health Department has given clinics and local health agencies about 360,000 flavored condoms and 910,000 colored condoms this year. That’s in addition to the millions of ordinary condoms it provides every year. This year, the state has spent more than $117,000 in federal funds on condoms.

After learning about the special condoms, the Democratic governor ordered the department not to buy any in the future.

“We’re not encouraging sex. They’re going to do it anyway,” said Bryant. “What we’re promoting is safe sex.”

Lawmaker: Abstinence Programs Present Misleading Information

A Democratic lawmaker charges that federally funded abstinence education programs that are used in 25 states contain false and misleading information about contraception, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases.

The accusations are contained in a report by Rep. Henry Waxman of California.

It also charges that the programs blur science and religion or get fundamental scientific facts wrong.

The abstinence programs have been embraced by President George W. Bush. They will receive $170 million in the current government spending year.

The abstinence curriculum may not include instruction in contraceptive use as a condition of federal funding.

An administration spokesman said the report presents the programs in the worst possible light. 

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