Univision Listens to Latino and Catholic Voices and Agrees to Run Condoms4Life Radio Ads

Catholics for Choice and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health are pleased to announce that Univision Radio has decided to run two Condoms4Life radio ads. The two Spanish-language ads take on myths about condom use in Catholic and Latino communities and highlight the importance of condom use and that Good Catholics Use Condoms. The radio campaign launched in New York City on World AIDS Day, December 1, on other radio stations. However, Univision radio stations originally declined the ads. After hearing from the Latino and Catholic communities, Univision has agreed to play the ads which will air over the holidays on Univision stations in New York City.

The radio campaign presents a positive message to sexually active Catholics about responsibility and caring for others. The ads appeal to people of faith with one of the 60-second spots noting that: “I’m Catholic and there is nothing more important to me than protecting family and love. That’s why I talked to my grandson about condoms.” The ads remind people of faith that taking care of yourself and caring for each other means using condoms when you are sexually active.

The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and Catholics for Choice engaged their activists and allies, urging individuals to take action and ask Gary Stone, the president and COO of Univision Radio to run these important advertisements. Activists sent emails to Mr. Stone noting that these messages are key to keeping the community safe.

“Catholics for Choice and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health are thankful that Univision Radio listened to the voices of Latinos and Catholics and heard that the community wanted these important messages of HIV prevention and pregnancy prevention on the air,” said Jon O’Brien, president of Catholics for Choice. “We appreciate Mr. Stone’s willingness to do right by the Latino community and let the message be heard that Catholics use condoms because we know it is the responsible, loving and caring thing to do,” continued O’Brien.

“Radio is a powerful means of communication for the Latino community,” said Silvia Henriquez, executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. “We commend Univision for reversing its decision and ensuring that the important message about HIV prevention in the Latino community is heard far and wide by their listeners,” continued Henriquez.

The Spanish-language ads, which will roll out nationwide in 2009, can be heard at www.Condoms4Life.org.

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