The anti-rape female condom (aka vaginal bear trap, intended brand name Rapex) was invented by Sonette Ehlers, a South African woman. It is intended to prevent rape by hooking onto an attacker's penis, hurting and disabling him.

The device is a latex sheath held firm by shafts of sharp, inward-facing microscopic barbs that would be worn by a woman in her vagina like a tampon. Should an attacker attempt vaginal rape, the penis would penetrate the latex and be hooked by the barbs, causing the attacker pain and giving the victim time to escape. The condom would remain attached to the attacker's body and could be removed only surgically, which would alert hospital staff and police.

According to Ehlers, the Rapex would also act as a female condom, reducing chances of impregnation or STD infection. This claim has not been substantiated by scientific research.

The device was unveiled on August 31, 2005 in rape-ridden South Africa. Production will start later this year if severe criticism is overcome. The inventor hopes to have the product on the market in late 2006.

Criticism

Critics, women included, have objected to Ehler's invention as "medieval" and "vengeful, horrible, and disgusting" ^[1] and oppose its planned sale in drugstores. Since the wearer of the condom exhibits no visible signals that she is using the condom, there is no visible deterrence for a prospective attacker. Furthermore, the missing warning has led to concerns that it could be worn for consensual sex as part of a malicious act of revenge or outright cruelty. Others fear that use of the device would enrage the attacker and further jeopardize the victim. Furthermore, the anti-rape condom is ineffectual in gang-rapes, as the condom is taken out by the first rapist.^[2]

Background

The concept of a vagina dentata is rooted in ancient myth and had previously been explored in fiction, e.g. in Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson. ^[3] Ehlers mentioned that she was inspired by a victim's reference to the myth.^[4]

See also

• Killer Condom

References