(CMR) Free condoms are now available to young people under the age of 26 at French pharmacies, while emergency contraception is available without prescription free to all women in France.
These are available as part of what French President Emmanuel Macron has called “a small revolution in preventative healthcare.”
The issuing of condoms to young people is a new health strategy, which aims to curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among young people in France, CNN reported.
The policy came into place on New Year’s Day and was announced by Macron in December. It was initially aimed at those aged 18-25, but was later extended to minors.
The latest measures come as health authorities estimate that the rate of STDs in France increased by about 30% in 2020 and 2021, Reuters news agency reported.
“It’s a small revolution in preventative healthcare. It’s essential so that our young people protect themselves during sexual intercourse,” Macron said in December.
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