New York: Latina Institute Helps Launch Condom Radio Ads

Catholics for Choice and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health joined forces recently to produce Spanish-language radio ads aimed at promoting condom use among Latinos. The Condoms4Life ads ran Dec. 1 through Dec. 14 in New York City. Silvia Henriquez, executive director of NLIRH, said the goal is to secure enough funding so more ads can roll out in other US markets next year.

Henriquez said the ads were prompted by the rise in HIV infections among Latinos nationwide. According to CDC, Latinos comprised 17 percent of all new US HIV cases in 2006.

One of the ads features a grandmother talking about her gay grandson: "My grandson came to me and told me he was in love with a man. Later he told me he heard that like a good Catholic, he wasn't supposed to use a condom," the woman says. "I told him, 'Go ahead son, who raised you? I took care of you because I love you and if you love that man, you will also take care of him. Make sure you use a condom.' I am a Catholic woman and for me there isn't anything more important than protecting the family and love; that's why I talked to my grandson about condoms."

Henriquez said the ad resonates with many in the Latino community. "We know that all Latina women have an example like the grandmother with her grandson; these types of conversations about sexuality, reproductive health, and general health are something very important that impacts us all," she said.

To listen to the radio ads, visit www.condoms4life.org.

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