Prophylactic Protectionism

Michigan is buying condoms from Japan, a revelation that has some lawmakers rallying around the auto-making state’s “Buy American” policy.

“We’re spending state dollars to buy condoms made outside the United States. That isn’t right,” said Rep. Beverly Bodem.

The state’s prophylactic policy came to light last week. Citizens complained to several lawmakers that public health clinics are distributing condoms in packages stamped “Made in Japan.”

That’s an unpopular phrase in Michigan, where the U.S. auto industry has its roots and “Buy American” sentiment runs high.

But in March, the state signed a three-year, $100,000-a-year contract to buy condoms exclusively from Okamoto USA, a Stratford, Conn.-based subsidiary of Japan’s largest condom manufacturer.