Since the beginning of this year, condoms have been available free of charge in pharmacies in France for young people under the age of 26.
The scheme was announced in December and was initially only intended for people aged 18 to 25. President Emmanuel Macron (45) then wanted to extend the measure to minors.
“This is a small birth control revolution needed for our young people to protect themselves during intercourse,” Macron announced at a youth health event in December. The sexual health of young people is an important theme. The free condoms are part of a package of measures by the French government to prevent and promote sexual health.
But there are also other measures: the morning-after pill is now available in France free of charge and without a prescription in pharmacies for women of all ages.
Pill already free in France
The contraceptive pill and other contraceptives such as an IUD have been available free of charge in France for young people under the age of 25 for a year now.
The Green National Council Stefania Prezioso Batou (53) would also like to see a similar approach in Switzerland: “Almost all the costs of sexual health, contraception and reproductive health are borne by women,” she complains in an advance.
She demanded that all sexual health costs, especially for contraception, be covered by the health insurance companies – with no franchise and deductible. And not just for young people.
Bundesrat fears high costs
But the Federal Council wants nothing to do with free condoms for everyone. Contraceptives, personal hygiene products and vasectomy are not intended to prevent or treat any disease and do not constitute maternity benefits.
Including such services in compulsory health insurance would require a change in the law. However, the Federal Council around Minister of Health Alain Berset (50) advises against this: “Given the rising healthcare costs and the premium increases, restraint is indicated.” Parliament has not yet discussed the proposal. (You)