FRANCE OFFERS FREE CONDOMS TO YOUNG PEOPLE TO PREVENT UNWANTED PREGNANCIES AND STDS

Paris. France has begun offering free condoms to anyone 25 and under in an effort to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. The initiative, initially aimed at those between the ages of 18 and 25, was extended to include those under 18 after criticism that minors were not included.

The offer applies only to male condoms and is available at French pharmacies, youth groups, and some middle and high schools. While condoms are already available for free in these locations, the new initiative aims to make them more widely accessible.

France has also made testing for HIV-AIDS free and without a prescription and has offered free birth control pills and other contraceptives to women under 25 for the past year.