Condoms are now free of charge at pharmacies across France for anyone 25 and younger. — File photo: AFP
Condoms are now free of charge at pharmacies across France for anyone 25 and younger, in what the government of President Emmanuel Macron describes as a preventive care measure aimed at reducing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
The scheme, which went into effect on Sunday, was outlined by Macron in early December and was initially intended to apply only to people aged 18 to 25. But the programme was expanded after criticism that minors were not covered.
For a year now, the birth control pill and other contraceptives such as an IUD have been free for women under 25 in France. Before that, only girls under the age of 18 were eligible for a free pill prescription.
In announcing the condom initiative, Macron underlined the necessity of addressing the issue of sexual health of young people.
When it comes to sex education, for instance, France wasn't doing a good job, Macron said at the time. "The reality is very, very far from the theory. We have to train our teachers better in this area, we have to sensitize them again," he said, according to local media. – dpa
