The Rapex condom, as discussed in last week’s News (“Invention Intervention,” Jan. 18) is one of the most frightening products I’ve seen in quite some time. Not only is it of questionable effectiveness and usefulness, but its potential for abuse is extremely high.

The possibilities are endless. Imagine, for a moment, that a couple gets into an argument over something foolish. Instead of proceeding with her tirade, the girl decides that she has a distinct edge in this battle, and further argument isn’t necessary. She goes into the bathroom, puts in her new Rapex, and then invites her partner for that classic Hollywood invention, makeup sex. Twenty seconds later, she has just caused her partner extreme physical anguish, along with significant monetary investment in both removing the device and the now-necessary therapy sessions.

Or, perhaps after a late-night stroll through the Fens, a Northeastern student forgets about the Rapex she installed moments before leaving a party. Once she arrives back at her dorm with her partner, she will have to spend several hours at a hospital with her unlucky friend, trying to explain her forgetfulness.

These situations are not far-fetched. While I admire Ehlers’ willingness to be proactive about rape, obviously a serious problem both on college campuses and throughout the rest of the world, the Rapex condom serves as a sword when a scalpel is needed. Its implementation is far too risky, and furthermore, once rapists are aware of the device, a simple check reduces its effectiveness to null.

There is no magic bullet to prevent rape. The most effective method of rape prevention has been, and still is, proper education.

– Marcus Moche is a freshman mechanical engineering major.