Status: 01/01/2023 5:42 p.m
Young people in particular are becoming increasingly infected with chlamydia, hepatitis B, herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases in France. On the other hand, free condoms should help.
Condoms for free – it was well received when French President Emmanuel Macron made a brief press statement in early December. After a conference on youth health, he explained: “Condoms will be available free of charge from January 1st, for everyone between the ages of 18 and 25. This is a small revolution in contraception. It is now easier for our young people to protect themselves when they are having sex are active.”
Just one day later, the President added: This also applies to all minors. Condoms have been available free of charge for everyone under 18 in France for a long time, but only from school nurses or advice centres. Now, like 18 to 25 year olds, they can simply go to the pharmacy.
20-year-old Clara thinks that’s right: “It’s kind of one of the basic needs. So it’s good that things are now free. Then more young people will protect themselves.”
30 percent increase
The number of people in France who have contracted sexually transmitted diseases has increased by around 30 percent in 2020 and 2021. This emerges from a report by the Institut Pasteurs from January 2022.
Young people in particular are affected, doctors explain. Many no longer see the need to use condoms, especially when their partner is on the pill.
Not so wrong, says this young man: “We just can’t all afford to spend 12 euros on a pack of condoms every week or month.”
Parisians for free – free condoms in France for U-26
Sabine Wachs, ARD Paris, January 1st, 2023 5:42 p.m
Better education and free testing
This is no longer necessary. Free condoms are now available in pharmacies. If you are under 18, just give your date of birth and you will receive a pack for free. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 25 must show their health insurance card.
Free condoms to protect more young people from sexually transmitted diseases is an important step, but not enough, says Clara Lefort from the counseling center for sex education Côte d’Amor. “The free condoms don’t help against sexually transmitted diseases if young people don’t know how to use them properly,” she says. “The measure must be accompanied by more sexual education and other offers.”
For example, through better education and free testing options for sexually transmitted diseases. For a year now, AIDS tests have been free in France. In many laboratories, they can be carried out without an appointment and, above all, without a doctor’s referral. The government intends to expand this offer to other tests for sexually transmitted diseases soon.