Amid Rising STDs, France Makes Condoms Freely Available For People Between The Ages Of 18 And 25

This week, French President Emmanuel Macron said: condom The main purpose of this new policy is to combat the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Health officials estimate that the number of sexually transmitted infections in France has increased by 30% in both 2020 and 2021. The government also plans to offer free STD testing to the same age group.

no more condoms partially reimbursed by the national health care system If prescribed by a doctor or other health care professional. Specifically, health insurance will reimburse 60% of the cost. Those with supplemental insurance are entitled to full coverage.

Last week, the French parliament also passed a law allowing young women to get free morning-after pills from pharmacies after unprotected sex.

For several years, French parliamentarians have sought to improve access to both hormonal contraceptives and condoms, curb unwanted pregnancies, and target the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

In the United States, cases of sexually transmitted infections are also rising sharply. 26% increase in new syphilis infections in 2021Also, the number of people living with HIV in 2021 increased by 16%.

The STD emergency has prompted U.S. public health officials to call for renewed prevention efforts.of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)For example, it proposes scaling up condom distribution programs as “a cost-effective, structural intervention that provides communities with the resources they need to prevent the spread of HIV.” Here, the CDC recommends testing for STDs such as HIV, Link This includes clinics and other sites where testing is free.

But, as is often the case in the United States, what is really happening at the local level is a patchwork of policies. Some clinics offer free condoms and STD tests. However, clinic availability can be an issue, especially in rural areas.

Public health officials have promoted the idea of ​​home test kits for sexually transmitted diseases to facilitate access to testing.However, testing tends to be quite expensive for consumers and is generally not reimbursed. California Became the first state to require health insurance companies to cover home STD testing. Other states may follow suit.

Similarly, the situation in the UK and Europe is different. In the UK, STD testing is free for most people under the age of 25. However, the free test is not (yet) available in pharmacies. Condoms are available free at family planning clinics and local general practitioners. However, the British Medical Association has called on the government to provide free condoms in all pharmacies.

Sexual health clinics in most European Union (EU) countries offer free condoms and tests for venereal diseases. However, condoms and STD tests are not widely available. For free – For all ages – pharmacy or primary care practice.

Use of hormonal contraceptives Similar to the US, most European countries still require a prescription. Nevertheless, over-the-counter (OTC) is becoming available in more and more European countries. This also includes the UK. Additionally, emergency contraception (the morning after pill) is available over the counter in almost all her EU Member States. Across Europe, the out-of-pocket costs for all types of hormonal contraceptives are usually minimal and are free when obtained at birth control clinics and most sexual health clinics.

Due to the increase in STD infections, France has taken the decision to promote free access to condoms and STD tests in pharmacies for the 18-25 year old group. And the French are expanding free access to hormonal contraceptives for women.The UK and many other European countries have adopted similar measures to meet public health needs. Despite what it seems, policies are unlikely to harmonize. In the United States, public health officials are advocating for greater access to free STD testing and condoms. However, considerable variation is likely to continue at the local and state level, and these items will not be freely available for most people.