Abstract
Although there has been considerable attention to increasing mortality rates and economic problems in areas of Africa hardest hit by AIDS, in this paper I examine the epidemic's impact on stable heterosexual relations. By identifying salient cultural themes pertaining to marriage and fertility, I examine people's emerging responses to policy injunctions to use condoms and limit their sexual partners. I draw policy conclusions for the fate of children whose mothers die from AIDS, threats to female education in the wake of the AIDS epidemic and the likelihood of condom acceptance.