A “small revolution”… Offering free condoms and contraceptives to young men and women in France

(CNN) — Condoms are now available in French pharmacies free of charge for young people under the age of 26, as part of what French President Emmanuel Macron has called a “mini-revolution in preventive healthcare.”

The new health strategy, which aims to reduce the spread of STDs among young people in France, went into effect on New Year’s Eve and was announced by Macron in December. It was initially aimed at people between the ages of 18 and 25, but was later extended to minors.

Emergency contraception will also be available free to all women without a prescription from January 1, according to a tweet by government spokesman Olivier Ferrand on Monday.

Since 1 January 2022, French women under the age of 26 have access to free contraception. This included consultations with doctors or midwives and medical procedures associated with the chosen contraceptive method.

The latest measures come as health authorities estimate that the rate of sexually transmitted diseases in France rose by around 30% in 2020 and 2021, Reuters news agency reported.

“It’s a small revolution in preventive health care,” Macron said in December, “it is essential that our young people protect themselves during sexual intercourse.”