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Little
Known Law
Obligates Motels To Hand Out
Condoms For Free
A little known fact is about to
come your way. Ley 7771,
obligates owners of motels to
have free condoms available for
it's customers. Yes, free. The
law that has been on the books
for some years and little known.
Most motel owners don't offer
the free condoms though we are
sure that they are aware of the
regulation.
Dr. Solón Chavarría Aguilar,
director of the 'Programa de
prevención y tratamiento del
sida, de la Caja Costarricense
de Seguro Social (CCSS)' (AIDS
preventive and treatment program
of the social security), says
that the situation is worrisome,
as his office regularly receives
complaints for this violation.
Dr, Chavarria says that motel
owners and citizens alike can
obtain condoms, for free, from
the CCCSS.
This news comes following a
publicity campaign that began
last Tuesday by health officials
in their fight in preventing
AIDS.
The good doctor said that last
year, Conasida, the government
agency, purchased and
distributed some 600.000 condoms
to the various organization that
work with preventing AIDS and
the Ministro de Justicia, for
the use by inmates at the
country's prisons.
Dr. Chavarria added that they
has some us$40.000 left over
after the initial purchase,
which was used to buy more
condoms, though he did not
specify a quantity.
Dr. Chavarria says that in the
storerooms of the CCSS there are
currently 5.5 million
prophylactics, which were
purchased with the main purpose
of distribution to women to help
them in family planning. Women
working "social sexual services"
(prostitutes) are also given
free condoms if they ask.
The doctor added that the condom
distributed by the CCSS is must
stronger than many purchase. The
traditional condom purchased at
pharmacies and supermarkets are
between 0.05mm and 0.11mm in
thickness, while the ones given
out by the CCSS are between
0.11mm and 0.20mm. Dr. Chavarria
said that the thicker condoms
can be safely used in anal
intercourse without fear of
tearing.
The cost to the CCSS is ¢6
colones for the thin condoms and
¢12.5 colones for the thick
ones.
In the country 3.5% of minors
(those under the age of 18) that
are infected with the HIV virus
or AIDS.
Dr. Chavarria confirmed that
there are 11.000 Costa Ricans
who have been tested positive
for HIV and estimates some 2.000
more who are infected and are
not in treatment.
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Choose your colour.
Folk etymology claims, without basis, that the word "condom" is
derived from a purported "Dr. Condom" or "Quondam", who made the
devices for King Charles II of England. Other than through
unverifiable folk stories, there is no evidence that any such "Dr.
Condom" existed. |
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A condom is a device, usually made of
latex or more recently polyurethane, that is used during sexual
intercourse to reduce the risk of pregnancy and/or some sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV.
Condoms are also often used to cover medical ultrasound imaging
transducers, keep a sex toy clean, and in cases of toys shared
between partners, helping provide STD protection. Condoms do not
protect against all forms of STDs. Other uses include holding water,
keeping gun muzzles dry, and being a membrane to keep drugs intact
whilst being trafficked. They are also known as prophylactics, as
well as a number of colloquial or slang terms, such as rubbers.
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