Would an AIDS cure really be beneficial on a global level?

[Sooga]

Imagine an AIDS cure were found tomorrow. Here's a list of what I think some of the repercussions would be, which I think would be visible in just a few months:

-Spread of other STDs, since people I think would be less cautious.
-Increase in pregnancies, for the same reason.
-Condom manufacturers would be hurt financially.

But now that I think about it, I'm not sure if sexual activity would really increase in any significant amount. I guess what I'm asking is, would the positives outweigh these (and other) possible negatives?

[diddle]

condom manufacturers hurt financially???

just delete your post while there is still time

[NLSoldier]

So let me get this straight. We have...
[ QUOTE ]
-Spread of other STDs, since people I think would be less cautious.
-Increase in pregnancies, for the same reason.
-Condom manufacturers would be hurt financially.

[/ QUOTE ]

vs.

Millions of people dying from aids.

Hmm, yeah thats a tough one.

[Sooga]

Obviously condom manufacturers losing money is a lesser concern, but I think the increase in other STD's and pregnancies could be a big problem. Plus I'm sure there are other ramifications that I haven't even thought of.

[IronDragon1]

If you wanted to make a post that causes a big stir you've succeeded.

If you're serious-then you've got problems none of us can solve

[bdk3clash]

"...I'm not sure if sexual activity would really increase in any significant amount."

Are you kidding? To paraphrase Bill Hicks, four words: Fucking. In. The. Streets.

[Sooga]

So you're saying that birth rates wouldn't increase and that global overpopulation wouldn't become more of a concern a generation down the line? I'm not saying that I don't want an AIDS cure to be found, but I don't think it'll be as good as everyone might think.

[Josh W]

I debated in high school with a guy who would take a contrarian stance on everything, just to take a contrarian stance.

He had a long speech that was very well rehearsed whereby he'd propose that the government should hide facts about the AIDS epidemic, arguing that the spread of AIDS would benefit the world.

Another possible negative side effect of finding a cure is the economic impact...how many billions and billions are spent annually to find a cure?

(regardless of the tone of this post, I think that finding a cure would be good).

Josh

[bernie]

I've asked this question about curing cancer before. Or even curing the common cold.

Think of the money involved in treating symptoms of a cold/flu.

I think the positives would outweight the negatives. Im not sure condom manufacturers would really be hurt that bad financially. Though there would be a slight drop in profit, I don't think it would be significant.

b

[bernie]

[ QUOTE ]
but I think the increase in other STD's and pregnancies could be a big problem.

[/ QUOTE ]

You mean compared to the small problem of teen/unwanted pregnancy that we have today?

b