HIV on the Rise in Wisconsin

A 14.5% increase in new HIV cases in one year---48% of AIDS cases among MSM, 15.1% among drug users, leaving just shy of 40% for heterosexual sex (MSW)---for every 2.5 MSM cases there is 1 MSW case. A little less than 50% of all HIV cases occur in Milwaukee County.

Please note that no where in this article is male homosexual sex mentioned. That term has been replaced with "men having sex with men" (MSM). This is not accidental. It is a more inclusive term allowing for the men who have prison sex, expanded "recreational" sex, the "Down Lo", or perversions such as pedeophilia. The increase in the heterosexual HIV cases occur because these men consider themseleves heterosexual and also have sex with their wives, girlfriends or "hookups".

The Center for Disease Control is already generating policies and procedures to counteract this: testing in the prison population, for pregnant women and recommended testing in regular physicals. However, primary prevention information is slow to appear on this front. The standard condom message has not been bolstered by warnings about increased risk in heterosexual sex.

It is also sad that the new wonder drugs have lessened adherence to avoiding risk behaviors. Not using condoms is cited. Never mentioned is that the gay "bath house" and pickup bar scene has re-established itself, when at the height of the AIDS epidemic the high-risk behaviors that took place there were frowned upon.

Can sexual behavior continue unchecked? Is it a person's right to acquire HIV and pass it on? As a society, do we ignore that behavior is the cause? Do we just sit back and hope a vaccine is developed before this epidemic chooses our loved ones through no fault of their own?

Too Hot for Teens?

The front page story in today's Cue section was about teen shows such as"The O.C." and "One Tree Hill". Are they too hot for teens? Yes, because they desensitize teens to inapporpriate sexual behavior as well as other risky and illegal behaviors. The suggestion for parents to watch the show with their older teens is a good one as it does provide the opportunity for dialogue. However, lets not put up Hollywood moguls for sainthood just yet. This is not to be ranked as TV public service in the face of a barage of public criticism about these shows. The parents are probably not overcoming the effect of the script material in any conversations.

Better alternatives would be some of the Lifetime Channel movies such as "She's Too Young" or last night's "Mom at 16". Both of these depict the consequences of living life as in these new teen hits. These films tear at the heart as the girl, her family and her "world" crumble under the weight of her sexual activity. "Mom at 16" repeats this Thursday and Saturday nights.

Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Bill

Rape is a horrendous, violent attack. Every rape victim deserves compassionate care. Every rape victim should seek that care immediately at a hospital. That care should include a physical exam and scheduling of STD/HIV tests if a time interval is necessary. Those are the most logical medical outcomes of rape because a victim is susceptible to them 24-7-365.

Pregnancy , on the other hand, can occur only one day during a woman's cycle just after ovulation. Sperm can live in her reproductive track for about a week. So at most, a raped woman is vulnerable to pregnancy for a week. That week has to be proximate to ovulation. That is the only time EC is needed medically. If the woman is confident in her birth control-- 90% plus of women are on birth control--and knows when she ovulates, EC is unneeded.

This bill is a farce! It's introduction is not out of compassion for the victim at all. The purpose of the bill is to force faith-based hospitals to comply with an agenda against their beliefs. It is a smokescreen that insults the intelligence of women.

UW Ad: Bring EC on Spring Break (3/12/05)

So the UW Health Services is advising coeds to pack their morning-after pills with their bikinis for Spring Break! To make it easy , students can call in for a prescription. No fuss of a doctor's appointment! No health history taken! No check for STD or to see if you are already pregnant!

Well Abortion foes aren't the only critics! Abstinence advocates are appalled at the inference that young women off to the sunny climes are going to be promiscuous. Sounds like the "choice" has already been made for them. Now which came first? Girls having sex or adults assuming girls should have sex?

On a beach all day, in bars all night, drinking beers and margaritas, meeting all new guys, knowing nothing of their sex or drug history, so "Don't Worry"--just take your emergency contraception. This is the best a medical facility has to offer? Lets just worry about pregnancy? What about HPV that could mean cryosurgery or cervical cancer? What about a nice case of Herpes for the rest of your life? How about a bacteria or parasite that hides away destroying your fertility or ability to deliver a healthy baby?

How about an ad saying, "Girls, this could be the most dangerous week of your life. You need to stay sober, be alert and stick with friends who care about you. If you are sexually active, give it up for the week. If you have made a commitment to wait for a husband, good for you! Don't regret this week because you partied too hard. Have fun without anxiety or regrets!"

We agree with Peggy Hamill of Prolife Wisconsin. This ad is an insult to young women. Being in Madison, if they are numb to this perversive message, hopefully their parents are not and will bombard the university with their displeasure.

Ladies, pregnancy is not a disease. Sex can be very hazardous to your health and well-being nowadays. Don't let them turn the joy of motherhood into the biggest evil standing in the way of your "fun".