France Makes Condoms Free For Young People Up To 25 Years Old To Reduce STIs

Beginning next year, young people residing in France will be granted access to condoms at no cost, as part of a nationwide initiative to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the measure at an event focused on young people’s health last week. It’s a smart move, considering the country has seen a 30% surge in national STI rates in 2020 and 2021, as per the BBC. 

Initially, the program was only to be made available to those aged between 18 and 25 years old, but it was later extended to cover underaged individuals after feedback from the public. 

According to the New York Times, activists pointed out the risk of underaged individuals contracting STIs, leading Macron to announce that the forthcoming policy would cover anyone up to the age of 25. 

This isn’t the first time France has had such a policy. Since 2018, the government has refunded citizens the cost of condoms purchased from a pharmacy or midwife with a prescription.

Earlier this year, the country officially made contraception complimentary for all women up to 26 years of age, up from the previous age limit of 18 years old, allowing millions more women to be eligible. 

Catherine Fohet, a member of the National Federation of Institutes of Medical Gynecology, told the New York Times that condoms have a bad reputation in the country and aren’t commonly used among young people. 

One reason was the prohibitive cost, which could be an expense they aren’t willing to pay for, while others may choose not to use this method of birth control due to the “bad image” it has received as “devices that reduce tactile sensation.” 

Other health measures are scheduled to be rolled out in the coming months, including free emergency contraception for all women, and free STI screenings without a prescription—except for HIV—to individuals under the age of 26. 

Pour tous les jeunes de 18 à 25 ans, en 2023, le préservatif sera gratuit en pharmacie.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 8, 2022

[via BBC and New York Times, cover image via Dmitrii Melnikov | Dreamstime.com]