Lies, damn lies and statistics; part three
Let’s mix some more truth in with the tales told by the Planned Parenthood protesters:
Half-truth #3: Planned Parenthood condoms are ranked dead last.
The protesters are referring to a comparison of 23 condoms performed by Consumer Reports in early 2005. This is not actually a lie – just a half truth. Among the three condom types handed out for free by Planned Parenthood, the rankings were 14 (Lollipop), 22(Assorted Colors) and 23(Honeydew). So first off, let’s point out that two of the three were last while one ranked ‘very good’ and ‘excellent’ in terms of strength and reliability (respectively). As for the two at the bottom of the list, the protesters neglect to reference the key sentence in that article:
In our tests, all latex condoms passed minimum industry standards.
Like all the others, Planned Parenthood condoms meet the requirements set out for them – the fact that the other (more expensive) condoms go above and beyond is not a strike against Planned Parenthood. Also, keep in mind that just like the two condom types at the bottom of the list, the Lollipop condoms are also offered for free. So if you feel it is appropriate to condemn a non-profit organization which hands out condoms for free because their condoms aren’t the best out there despite exceeding industry standards – at least tell the whole story.
Half-truth #3: Planned Parenthood condoms are ranked dead last.
The protesters are referring to a comparison of 23 condoms performed by Consumer Reports in early 2005. This is not actually a lie – just a half truth. Among the three condom types handed out for free by Planned Parenthood, the rankings were 14 (Lollipop), 22(Assorted Colors) and 23(Honeydew). So first off, let’s point out that two of the three were last while one ranked ‘very good’ and ‘excellent’ in terms of strength and reliability (respectively). As for the two at the bottom of the list, the protesters neglect to reference the key sentence in that article:
In our tests, all latex condoms passed minimum industry standards.
Like all the others, Planned Parenthood condoms meet the requirements set out for them – the fact that the other (more expensive) condoms go above and beyond is not a strike against Planned Parenthood. Also, keep in mind that just like the two condom types at the bottom of the list, the Lollipop condoms are also offered for free. So if you feel it is appropriate to condemn a non-profit organization which hands out condoms for free because their condoms aren’t the best out there despite exceeding industry standards – at least tell the whole story.
posted by Nicholas at 6:45 PM
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