If the woman does not take the initiative and bring up the topic, the subject usually is not addressed at all. Over the decades, Roe vs. Wade, the pill and relaxed standards regarding unwed mothers have led to fewer discussions on the use of condoms. You would think that statistics showing a rising rate of HIV infection among minorities and heterosexuals would serve as a wake-up call. Single heterosexual women will tell you that persuading a man to use a condom during sexual activities is one of the most difficult things to do. Usually a woman has to decide if she will be alone on Saturday night cuddled up with an unopened condom package, or if she will spend the evening with the man of her choice.
Many women simply give in to the pressure.
They feel that they would rather take the chance of becoming infected than to run the risk of not having a man at all. An associate of mine who has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering feels that the media coverage on HIV and AIDS is all hype. This man is from the African continent and has lived in this country for more than 15 years. He believes that the news reports on the spread of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are not true. With the recent death of a popular African singer due to AIDS, perhaps he will reconsider his position.