Posts Tagged ‘condoms’

A doctor in South Africa has invented a new device that she hopes will help prevent sexual assault. Called Rape-aXe, it’s a type of female condom that includes jagged rows of hooks… which would then attach themselves to a penis during penetration. In the words of the inventor, Dr. Sonnet Ehlers:

“It hurts, he cannot pee and walk when it’s on,” she said. “If he tries to remove it, it will clasp even tighter… however, it doesn’t break the skin, and there’s no danger of fluid exposure.”

Evidently, once it has attached itself, only a doctor can remove it.

I have to admit that I’m somewhat torn about this. While I am, obviously, in favor of anything that might help to prevent sexual assault, I can definitely see the point of critics of the condom.

They argue that the condom puts women at more risk of violence from attackers, as well as feeling that “the fears surrounding the victim, the act of wearing the condom in anticipation of being assaulted all represent enslavement that no woman should be subjected to.”

On the other hand, South Africa evidently has one of the highest rates of sexual assault and violence in the world. According to the linked article, women in South Africa “take drastic measures to prevent rape… with some wearing extra tight biker shorts and others inserting razor blades wrapped in sponges in their private parts.” If potential sexual assaulters know that this device is out there and may be being used, would it stop them? And if it stops just one sexual assault, isn’t it worth it? We may find out soon, as Dr. Ehlers has planned to distribute over 30,000 of the condoms during the World Cup.

Where do you come down on Rape-aXe? Do you think it’s a possible preventative measure, or something that, in the long run, could end up hurting women even more?

Getting Lucky night out in Chapel Hill

The UNC VOX (Voices for Planned Parenthood) group passed out condoms on the late night bus that loops from campus to downtown.  One of the co-chairs, Lee, wrote about their experience for the blog Amplify. 

“It’s remarkable what people will share when we as individuals give our friends and peers the opportunity to engage in dialogue about their sex lives, health, and desire to protect themselves. Sometimes all it takes is giving a stranger a smile and a condom.”

Read the post here.

If you ever have a friend in need, remember to tell them to come to Planned Parenthood- we are here to help.