We must apply rational solutions

Regarding the April 17 letter "Balance the Efforts": Jim Hohman appropriately identifies the "shortage of fundamental logic and understanding of physiological reality" that characterizes abstinence-only approaches to HIV/AIDS. Indeed, as E. Kairys writes, abstinence-only proponents "deny reality" to cling to their edicts ("Don't Deny Reality," also April 17 letters).

However, this is no surprise because since abstinence-based approaches are entirely derived from religious dogma, by definition, they eschew logic and reality in favor of faith and a supernatural dimension. Societal problems can be solved only by applying rationality to the issue.

The promotion of condom use to combat a sexually transmitted infection is unequivocally rational and, consequently, efficacious.

AMESH A. ADALJA, M.D.
Butler