French taxes to reimburse condoms

Faced with the latest rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in France, the minister for health has announce that male contraception will be reimbursed by French social security.

In effect since December 10, 2018, this reimbursement aims to strengthen the fight against sexually-
transmitted diseases spreading, especially in young people. It should also help reduce costs related
to these diseases, estimated to be in the 2 billion euros every year.

Now, condoms prescribed by a doctor or nurse will be 60% reimbursed, although only those of the
EDEN brand manufactured by the Majorelle laboratory.

Though it’s a laudable goal, however, some do have certain reservations. One is whether access to
these reimbursed condoms will really reach the target population. Will young men really take the
time to and effort to make an appointment to see the doctor for a condom prescription? Only time
will tell…