Free condoms are now available to young people under 26 in French pharmacies, as part of what French President Emmanuel Macron has called “a small revolution in preventive health”.
The new health strategy, which aims to curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among young people in France, took effect on New Year’s Day and was announced by Macron in December. It was initially aimed at young people aged between 18 and 25, but was later extended to minors.
Emergency contraception will also be available free of charge to all women without a prescription from Jan. 1, according to a tweet from government spokesman Olivier Veran on Monday.
As of January 1, 2022, French women under the age of 26 already had access to free contraception. This included appointments with doctors or midwives and medical procedures associated with the chosen contraceptive.
The latest measures come as health authorities estimate that the rate of STDs in France has risen by around 30% in 2020 and 2021, Reuters news agency reported.
“It’s a small revolution in preventive health. It is essential for our young people to protect themselves during sexual intercourse,” Macron said in December.
Source: CNN Brasil
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