The Socialist Party (PS) faction in the Chamber has submitted a bill proposing financial support from social security for the purchase of contraceptives for men.
Currently, such support only exists for female contraceptives. In 2019, the Chamber approved a socialist bill making contraceptives free for women up to age 25. The morning-after pill also became free regardless of age.
While PS aims for contraceptives to be free for all women, they are now also focusing on male contraceptives, namely condoms. These not only prevent sexually transmitted diseases but also avoid unwanted pregnancies.
"Gender equality also involves contraceptives...This proposal aims for a fairer distribution of responsibilities," says MP Ludivine Dedonder, who authored the bill.
Some health insurance currently reimburse contraceptives based on a receipt or a pharmacist’s certificate, for both women and men. However, this is done so based on individual initiatives which are rather limited. PS seeks to improve access through national legislation.
The bill includes specific social security support for the cost of contraceptives for men under 25 and those eligible for increased (financial) support.
"I hope Parliament will support the initiative. It is a tangible step forward in gender equality. Other countries, such as France, already have measures in place to support access to contraceptives for men," says Dedonder.
