Black women are eighteen times more likely than Caucasian women to be infected with HIV, while Hispanic women are eight times as likely. Experts report that cultural attitudes are a major factor in the spread of the disease among these groups. How such cultural attitudes should be addressed to reduce AIDS infection has been a major dilemma.

Many of these women were infected through sexual contact with their male partners, who exposed the women due to their refusal to use a condom during sexual intercourse. Their refusal is largely cultural. According to Ian Smith, in an article for Time magazine, “Many young African Americans view [condoms] as a challenge to their manhood.” Latin cultures place a strong emphasis on traditional sex roles. Women are expected to do what their partner wishes—engaging in intercourse without...