Prevention Matters

To illustrate the impact of overpopulation on endangered species, The Center for Biological Diversity’s Endangered Species Condom Project is distributing free endangered species condoms. The Center will hand out 350,000 condom packets, which depict six separate species that are threatened by overpopulation. The polar bear, snail darter, spotted owl, American burying beetle, jaguar, and coquí guajón rock frog each appear on packets with their own clever safe-sex slogan. Each package contains information on the species, facts about overpopulation and the extinction crisis, and suggestions on how to stabilize the human population. The condoms will be distributed across the country by a network of 5,000 volunteers.

Condoms are not only useful in protecting against overpopulation; they also protect against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is extremely common among adolescents and young adults. CDC estimates there are about 3 million new cases annually. Left untreated in women, Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease which in turn can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and other health concerns.

The National Chlamydia Coalition (NCC) convened in 2008 to address the continued high burden of chlamydia infection, especially among women age 25 and under. For more information, see www.prevent.org/NCC.

Alana Ward
Program Associate
Partnership for Prevention