Free condom scheme for 18-25 year olds in France

French President Emmanuel Macron announced yesterday that “from January 1, 18 to 25-year-olds will receive free condoms in all pharmacies across the country.”

Makar said in a tweet that sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise among the youth in the country. “That’s why we’re embarking on a mini-precautionary revolution.” In France, condoms purchased on a prescription from a doctor or midwife are reimbursed by the health department as part of measures to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV.

The free condoms to young people are being provided as part of other initiatives, including access to emergency contraception for all women and over-the-counter STD screening for those under 26, the campaigners added. Free trial facility included.

“We’re generally not very good at sex education,” Makar admits. Reality is very different from theory. This is one area where we need to educate our teachers better.”

France began providing free contraception to all women under the age of 25 at the start of this year. It was actually an expansion of an existing program intended to help prevent unwanted pregnancies at the cost of birth control for minors.

France’s health ministry says the 25-year age limit is set because parents’ health insurance may not cover women of that age.