GUATEMALA CITY, Jan 11, 2001 (LSN.ca) – Guatemalan Minister of Health Mario Bolanos on Monday announced a $2.3 million campaign to reduce mortality and combat the spread of HIV by improving “family planning” and “reproductive health” programs in the country. Health officials have pledged to promote the use of contraceptives (including abortifacients) through hospitals, health care centers and community leaders, said a Prensa Libre report Tuesday. Bolanos said the campaign was undertaken to tackle the spread of HIV/AIDS in Guatemala.
Catholic and Evangelical churches slammed the plan noting the program had a “double agenda with hidden interests” which would cause harm. “If the human dignity of women is lost, they will be viewed as objects,” said Monsignor Victor Hugo Martinez, president of the Episcopal Conference in Guatemala. “Let us hope this program does not serve only to promote promiscuity, while ignoring paternal responsibility, the value of God and the family.” (Luisa Rodriguez, Guatemala City Prensa Libre, Jan 9)