The Safer Sex Illusion by Dr. John B. Shea, M.B.B.Ch (Life Ethics Information Centre, $3, 52 pages).

In The Safer Sex Illusion, the latest offering from the Life Ethics Information Centre, Dr. John Shea clearly points out the illusion that any kind of contraception is safe and without consequence. In fact, Shea points out that the so called safe-sex campaign has been a complete failure and that diseases normally transmitted by sexual activity are epidemic all over the world.

Shea lists many of the commonly used contraceptives and shows how each has been promoted but does not succeed, and cannot be counted on to protect sexually active individuals from disease or pregnancy. In one study it was found that one-third of all condoms tested leaked viral particles. Clearly a person cannot be adequately protected from HIV by simply using a condom. Shea also lists the STDs that are being spread in this world- wide epidemic.

The research that Shea uses to report on the various birth control pills is most amazing. He talks of the revolution in the pill and how it has evolved into an abortifacient as a result of attempts to reduce hormone levels and reduce symptoms and side effects. He explains in detail how the different pills work and even deals with the various birth control implants and injections. Shea also reports on the sad consequences of early and long- term use of birth control pills as they lead to both breast cancer and liver cancer. This is must reading for all who are thinking about using oral contraceptives to control conception.

Shea also tackles the under-reporting of maternal deaths due to so-called safe abortions and discusses many of the unmentioned side-effects and consequences that post-abortion mothers experience.

In concluding, the author points out that the Billings and Creighton methods of natural family planning are safe, effective and drug free. Furthermore, both, when properly used, are more effective than the oral contraceptive. Shea’s booklet is easy to read and well documented and thus would serve teachers, parents and teenagers very well.

To order The Safer Sex Illusion, call the Life Ethics Information Centre at 416-204-9601.