In France, young people will be able to receive free condoms.
Date: 2023-09-11 Author: Karina Ziganova Categories: NEWS 18+
The measure comes as the number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases in France increased by 30% between 2020 and 2021.
Announcing the innovation, Emmanuel Macron called it a “small preventive revolution.”
“We are not doing very well with this subject,” the French president admitted, touching on the issue of sex education. “The reality is very different from the theory. And here we need to teach the teachers themselves much better.”
The free distribution of condoms is just part of a broader campaign by the French Ministry of Health to combat sexually transmitted diseases and improve public access to contraceptives.
Back in 2018, the authorities introduced the practice of reimbursing the cost of condoms purchased in pharmacies with prescriptions from doctors or family planning clinics.
At the beginning of this year, the government decided to provide free contraceptives to all women under the age of 26 who want them. (Previously, girls under the age of 18 could receive contraception free of charge).
Scotland took care of women
Scotland became a pioneer in the free distribution of intimate hygiene products for health reasons, passing a law in 2020 to provide free pads and tampons to women in need.
The legislation, which was voted unanimously by members of the Scottish Parliament, states that local authorities must find a way to ensure that anyone in the country can, if necessary, “without difficulty and without losing self-esteem” get free pads, tampons or other existing feminine products. hygiene.
The need comes after youth charity Young Scot released research showing that around a quarter of schoolgirls and students in Scotland find it financially challenging to provide essential hygiene products each month.
