Carol Olson was by all accounts the perfect mom. She made a decent living as a dental hygienist, maintained a clean and comfortable home for her son, and prided herself on always doing the right thing. During the spring and summer of 2009 the "right thing" suddenly became more complicated.
"Mom, I have something from the school that you're going to want to read," David said as he returned from school one day. Carol looked up from her book at her eighteen year-old son and could tell it was serious. He handed her the paper and her heart fell. It announced that six students at David's school had tested positive for HIV and all kids were strongly encouraged to get tested.
"Oh my god," Carol said as the news sunk in. "David, please tell me that you have not been having sex." David looked down, confirming her worst fear. "Well at least tell me that you've used protection." No answer from David and Carol's heart sank. "David!"
"I'm sorry mom, I've tried using condoms but my skin must be allergic to latex or something. Every time I put one of those things on my skin becomes sore and irritated and I lose my erection. I just can't use them."
Carol reached for the phone and called her ex. He was a good father who also happened to be a doctor. She explained what happened and within an hour David was tested. When the call came in the next day that everything was fine she breathed a huge sigh of relief but knew that she had to do something to prevent her son from getting into trouble. She knew all too well the power of teenage hormones and how hard it would be for him to make the right choice. She immediately went to the internet in search of a solution. She would do whatever it took to ensure her son's safety.
The news wasn't good about his allergy. The only condom not made from latex was not approved to prevent the spread of STDs. She continued to search for a solution. One night she came across a chat site where she found others facing the same predicament. She was shocked with one mother's extreme measures.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, the woman wrote. She stated that she would do anything to protect her son from the deadly disease and made a private pact with him. She knew the boy would have sex, abstinence wasn't a realistic solution, so she told him that whenever he was in need of release, she would help him. He in turn promised to refrain from any sort of sexual contact and allow her to inspect him upon returning from any parties or dates. She stated that although this was very uncomfortable at first they had gotten used to it and the boy was so excited by it she was confident he wouldn't slip up and jeopardize losing his privileges. After awhile they were both comfortable with it and she said she actually enjoyed it. To Carol's amazement other women confided they did the same thing and all agreed that due to the extreme nature of the situation it was the best decision available.
At first Carol found the idea preposterous. It was incest and wrong, surely there must be another way. But over the course of the next few weeks the idea festered in her head. She imagined what it would be like and how he would respond. David was a good looking boy, in great shape, and always respectful. He had an endearing smile that always warmed her heart. He looked a lot like his father when he was in high school and Carol could easily remember how excited she was when they started fooling around. Finally she made the decision to approach him with the idea.
"David, there's something I'd like to talk to you about," she said one evening as he was watching TV. "It's about this HIV situation and your inability to have safe sex." This got David's full attention and he turned off the TV. "Honey I'm so worried that you're going to find yourself in a situation where you make the wrong decision. I know how it is for boy's your age and how tempted you'll become."
"I know mom, I'm actually concerned too. But what can I do?"
"Well, I read something online that sounds crazy, but might be worth considering." Carol explained the idea and was relieved that he didn't immediately storm out of the room.
"Wow Mom, you're right, that is crazy." He looked at her for a long moment. "Are you serious?"
"Darling I love you and as your mother I'd do anything to ensure your safety. Even this. If I were to help you would you promise me that you will never do anything with another woman?"
"Well, I guess so, but...."
"But what?"
"Well, you said that you'd help me whenever I have the need...."