Free condoms for young adults: France expands access in pharmacies next year
In a move aimed at boosting sexual health among young adults, the French government announced that free condoms will be available to people aged 18 to 25 in pharmacies starting next year. President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the plan as a practical step for younger generations, calling it part of a broader effort to improve prevention and health education across the country.
During a visit to a small town in central France, Macron described the initiative as a “small revolution in prevention.” He acknowledged that while progress has been made, more work is needed in education and sexual health to ensure that young people have reliable, accessible information and resources. The president emphasized that the policy aligns with a wider commitment to public health and youth welfare in France.
Contraceptives have been free since late 2018, but critics say the measure was little known and therefore ineffective in practice. Dr. Olivia Son, an infectious disease specialist at Corbeil-Essonnes Hospital near Paris, told France Info that raising awareness and simplifying access are crucial. She described the new plan as a positive development that could help improve both sexual health and public health outcomes by reducing barriers to use.
Dr. Son noted that making condoms more accessible is particularly important for younger people living outside major urban centers where services may be harder to reach. She suggested that easier access in pharmacies could bridge gaps in knowledge and practice, especially among youths who face logistical obstacles when seeking health services in smaller towns.
Lack of sex education, late initiation, and ongoing education efforts
The discussion around the policy also touched on gaps in sex education. The expert and the president agreed that knowledge about sexual health should start earlier and be more comprehensive. Macron pointed out that waiting until adulthood to begin sexual education can leave some individuals inadequately prepared, describing the Internet as a mixed resource where reliable information coexists with misinformation.
At the event, Macron was joined by the Minister of Health, François Braun. The appearance occurred with Macron wearing a protective mask, reinforcing the seriousness with which health officials treat public health guidance. The government has recently encouraged people to wear masks on public transport and in crowded places, particularly in situations involving vulnerable populations, as part of a cautious response to fluctuating infection rates around the country.
In the broader context, the French government under Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne has been pursuing a range of public health measures designed to support preventive care. The aim is to empower young people with practical tools while reinforcing the education system’s role in delivering essential health information. This includes efforts to improve access to healthcare services and to ensure that health messaging is clear and consistent across regions.
The new policy is framed as a step toward greater autonomy for young adults in managing their own health. If successful, it could become a model for other regions seeking to reduce disparities in health literacy and access to preventive supplies. Public health experts say that the combination of access, education, and ongoing awareness campaigns will determine the policy’s ultimate impact on rates of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies among young people.
Analysts note that the approach also reflects a wider shift in health policy toward preventative care and harm reduction. By removing financial and logistical barriers to condoms, authorities hope to foster healthier behaviors and equip youth with practical options for safe sexual activity. Observers will be watching how pharmacies implement the program, how information is disseminated, and how partnerships with schools and community centers support sustained education beyond initial uptake. The policy signals a recognition that health prevention works best when it is straightforward, consistent, and responsive to the needs of young people across different regions of France.