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The CDC is still stalling when it comes to educating the public about the shortcomings of condoms and how best to protect against HPV, as required by law. Rep. Souder has no intention of letting up and has written letters to the CDC and FDA asking tough, detailed questions about their work on STD prevention issues. The letter sent to the CDC questions an assertion made by the doctor who testified on its behalf. "Are two studies that show such an association between condom use and reduced cervical cancer risk sufficient to make claims that condom use reduces cervical cancer risk?" he asked.

At the hearing, the FDA representative announced that his agency was developing guidelines for condom labeling.

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT VICTORY in that it represents an effort by Congress to make sure its will is respected and science is not subverted. More importantly, alerting users that condoms provide incomplete protection against STDs, particularly HPV, is an important victory for the truth.

However, this is not the end by any means. One victory does not mean the war is won. Grassroots conservatives need to keep the pressure on the CDC and the FDA to make sure their official positions reflect the truth about condoms and that they carry through on Congress's will.

Then, there is the larger battle. The truth must not just be heard by larger society, it must be acknowledged.

That means there is still work to be done. But thanks to the commitment of public officials such as Rep. Souder and Dr. Coburn in raising public awareness of this important issue -- one that has a direct bearing on the lives of young men and women -- the truth is starting to become known sand will soon be in small print on every condom label.

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