Prevention Work ‘not To Stop Life’ (Press, 21 December 1988)
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Summary: Prevention Work ‘not To Stop Life’ (Press, 21 December 1988)
On 21 December 1988, Mrs Carol Claasen, a Catholic engaged with the A.I.D.S. Foundation, expressed her frustration over the Catholic Church's stance on A.I.D.S. prevention. She was particularly upset with the Most Rev. Basil Meeking, the Bishop of Christchurch, who had recently decided to withdraw two Sisters of Compassion from the foundation's efforts. Claasen, who had converted to Catholicism two years prior, attempted to meet with Bishop Meeking twice to discuss the situation but was unsuccessful. She argued that the Catholic position, influenced by a ruling from the Pope which deemed condoms and contraceptives as prohibitive to life, was misguided in the context of A.I.D.S. prevention. Claasen emphasised that the fight against A.I.D.S. was fundamentally about saving lives rather than prohibiting life. She highlighted the urgent nature of A.I.D.S., noting that individuals who contracted the virus often faced serious illness and a potential death sentence. Claasen advocated for comprehensive education on safe sex practices, acknowledging that while some people chose abstinence, many did not. She asserted that the Church's responsibility was to reach out to all individuals without discrimination, rather than solely protecting those who abstain. In her view, the Bishop's position suggested that she and fellow Catholics working with the foundation were acting immorally, which she strongly rejected. Claasen maintained that her work with the foundation was not only moral but also beneficial for the community at large. She expressed confidence that continuing her efforts within the foundation was justified, as they contributed positively to public health and welfare in the fight against A.I.D.S.
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