Delving beneath merely abortion itself, at this point in the book Page discusses how the pro-life movement’s attitude toward condom use further hinders their cause. She writes, “For pro-lifers, condom use, like contraception, is anathema. Abstinence is the acceptable form of safe sex. To advance this goal, they’re willing to trounce good science, or make up their own” (84). While she supports many of the claims she makes in this section with plausible research results and evidence, she nonetheless seems to make big assumptions about those who do not support abortion. She touts them as being “religious fundamentalists” who distort all evidence and essentially have no case. While I agree with Page’s basic point that condom use is an effective means to prevent pregnancy and should not be considered a form of abortion, in my opinion she greatly hurts her argument by painting her opposition as unilateral, uneducated religious fanatics.
In this chapter, “The Condom Hoax,” Page offers some very interesting information on some of the worldwide implications of the pro-life movement. For example, she discusses how the Vatican, who she says is “another believer in the condom cover-up,” attempted to halt efforts of condom distribution in African countries ravaged by AIDS, under the premise that it offended pro-life ideals (87). Clearly, an institution as influential as the Vatican spewing anti-contraception ideas will lead, or has already led, to the death of many. I found this argument particularly compelling because Page is not directly discussing the flaws of being against abortion, but rather the illogical ideals held by those who do not support realistic means of pregnancy prevention—the root of the entire abortion debate. It is in sections, sections such as these where she brings a new dimension to the abortion argument, when I believe Page makes up for her often-obnoxious treatment of those who are pro-life.
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