Promiscuity an ailment of society? Or just a one-dimensional excuse?
This opinion piece is in response to Ms. Rodriguez’s article, “Promiscuity an ailment; condoms no cure for it.” Promiscuity is NOT a mental illness. In fact to say so is to label more than half the population in the Philippines as “Mentally Ill.” To say so would be a call to institutionalize more than half of the population in Africa ravaged by HIV/AIDS.
People, who choose to have more than one partner, do so by choice. It is a lifestyle that does not only cater to men, but also women. Either gender can make a lifestyle choice that suite their tastes, but it is not grounds to call them mentally ill.
The second group of people who have more than one sexual partner are those who may not see a choice in the matter (e.g. prostitutes and trafficked victims). Whether by choice, due to economic strain, poverty, or homelessness they were placed into such a situation, we have no right to judge. However, they are entitled to protect their own health and sexual well-being too. To say that they do not deserve to be educated or given proper access to contraceptives, simply because they need psychiatric help instead, is borderline abuse on their human rights.
It can thus be concluded that the concept of sexuality varies in society. It can be seen as an expression of love between a man and a woman. It can be seen as a means to financial ends. It can be seen as a personal lifestyle choice. Sexuality can also be objectified, personified, and subjectified to fit society’s needs and choices. Whatever the reason is should not entitle others to categorize people who may have had more than one sexual partner as mentally ill. Doing so will not cure HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted illnesses, prevent unsafe abortion, or unintended pregnancy, when in fact it could exacerbate it to a point where people will not want to report their STIs in fear of being institutionalized and stigmatized by people in society.
“Therapy” will not make condoms unnecessary. Unfortunately, that is not how society works. People will make their own choices about their bodies, whether influenced by the media, economic incentives, or by their friends. There are external forces that are at play here that many of us cannot control, particularly if it involves the personal lives and choices of others. However, educating people, instead of institutionalizing them, about ways to protect themselves is something that can be done: Abstinence, Be Faithful, and Condom use are the basic ABCs to reproductive health and responsible relationships. Each approach should be implemented and adhered to equally; not just the former.
Simply by saying “using therapy as a means to cut down on condom use and prevent promiscuity” is a one-dimensional solution that does not address the current realities of people’s lives.