An Australian sex education group has been handing out what they believed were condoms for months, only to later discover that the packages contained “lubricated probe covers” meant for ultrasound equipment instead. The error was made by the Sexual Health and Family Planning group in Canberra, who stated that they had mistakenly been distributing the medical supplies since January due to their similar packaging.
In an apology released earlier this week, the organization warned recipients of the bogus condoms not to use them for their intended purpose. The group explained that while the ultrasound probe covers and actual condoms may appear similar, they provide entirely different levels of protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
This gaffe has drawn criticism from some who believe that a group dedicated to sexual health education should be more knowledgeable about their products. Reo Golding, a student at Dickson College, one of the locations where the misleading items were distributed, expressed frustration at the mix-up. When students are told they are being given a sexual health product like a condom, it should be a condom,” he stated.
The Sexual Health and Family Planning group has acknowledged that they do not know how many of these incorrectly labeled products have been distributed since January. The mistake was made on at least five campuses, including Dickson College, Gungahlin College, Canberra College, Lake Ginninderra College, and Melba Copland Secondary School.
In an effort to rectify the situation, the principal of Dickson College sent a letter home to parents, alerting them about the condom confusion and advising them on proper use of actual condoms for safe sex practices. The Sexual Health and Family Planning group will also need to take measures to prevent future mistakes in their product distribution efforts.
