UNFPA Criticized Over Burma Condom Shipment
As the aftermath of the cyclone that ravaged across Burma earlier this month continues to leave the South East Asian country in chaos and disarray, the United Nations Population Fund has been criticized recently over its shipment of condoms in place of badly needed aid and supplies.
According to a report by UNFPA, over 70,000 condoms have been shipped to Burma as part of an initial batch of a scheduled 250,000.
The condoms will arrive along with what the UNFPA calls its "emergency" "Reproductive Health Kits." Thousands of "morning after" pills, razors for cutting umbilical cords, and manual vacuum aspirators will be included in the shipment, according to LifeSiteNews.com.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"We don't want regular use of contraception disrupted. An emergency usually damages the health system, so people don't have access to condoms and contraceptives," explained UNFPA aid advisor Chaiyos Kunanusont in statement.
The decision by the UNFPA to send thousands of condoms and contraceptives to Burma in the midst of one of the region's worst cyclone and food crisis, however, was immediately criticized by pro-family groups.
Linda Klepacki, sexual health analyst for Focus on the Family Action, was incredulous as to how the group could reason that condoms and contraceptives were more valuable than food.
"Only a world nearly devoid of God could give supplies denying life before necessities to sustain life," she said in a statement.
The cyclone, which ravaged about 11,600-square-miles of Burma early this month, is said to be among the worst natural disasters. As many as 57 million people are estimated to have been affected, with death, homelessness and disorder continuing to be widespread.
