Sexual Health News

Ted Samuels | Gay.com

Sexually transmitted diseases are more common than any of us likes to admit. Each year, between 15 and 20 million people contract a sexually transmitted disease in the United States alone. What can help lower those numbers is easy information and increased notification for those infected.
Rachel Evans | 7 November 2008

Up to 4000 gay, lesbian and transgender people and their supporters took to the streets across the state on November 5 to protest the narrow victory of “Proposition Eight” — a referendum on whether to introduce a ban placed on the ballot in California to coincide with the presidential election.

“Prop Eight”, as it became known, proposed to amend the state constitution to define marriage as only between a man and a woman. It passed with 52% in favour.

By Amy Norton Thu Oct 23

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Electronic "postcards" may offer a new way to alert the partners of patients with sexually transmitted diseases that they may have been exposed, according to a new report.

By Meghan Holohan | CNN | November 3, 2008

Most people know that condoms prevent the spread of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

But in many parts of the world, condoms aren't very popular.

Here are five novel campaigns launched by nonprofit organizations and condom companies to encourage wider use.

Read more at: http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/10/31/mf.safe.sex/index.html

Options for Sexual Health is delighted that Dr. Henry Morgentaler has been admitted to the Order of Canada. His long struggle to defend the reproductive rights of women transcends divergent moral outlooks and speaks to the essential freedoms we cherish - and must all defend. OPT is also proud that the Order of Canada continues to honour Canadians from all pursuits and walks of life who are contributing to a free, compassionate and diverse society.

To read our recent newsletter article on Dr. Morgentaler, click here.

Have you seen a billboard like this?

Abortion Billboard

Based on an as yet unpublished ruling on advertising in Manitoba, the Advertising Standards Council of Canada (ASCC) will identify this same billboard in Westbank as deceptive. The advertiser, Jim Pattison Group, will be expected to remove the advertisement on order of the ASCC as they are now aware of its existence.

Bill C-484 (Unborn Victims of Violence Act) aims to amend the Criminal Code by making it an offense to "injure, cause the death of or attempt to cause the death of a child before or during its birth while committing or attempting to commit an offense against the mother. Voluntary abortion or any act or omission by the mother are exempted in the legislation".

In July 2006, a new vaccine to prevent against four strains of the Human Papilloma Virus was approved for use in Canada by Health Canada. Gardasil will be available by the end of August 2006 through Canadian physicians and pharmacists, and is designed to prevent cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer as well as genital warts.