Now, condoms as proof of consent

It may not be the most passionate way to start a relationship but condom packages could soon contain proof of consent if a British inventor has his way.

Like prenuptial agreements that stipulate who gets what if a couple splits up, the condom package designed by Briton David Morrow makes clear that both parties consented so there can be no accusation of rape afterwards. As the couple remove the condom from the package together their fingerprints are imprinted on it.

‘‘The consenting parties jointly pull out the inner sleeve, and open it to release the condom, recording their fingerprints on the sleeve surface,’’ New Scientist magazine said on Wednesday.

The fingerprints, slipped back into the carton, are a record of consent. Morrow even included a date mark to record the time of the agreement.