The Minister Delegate in charge of Equality between Women and Men Isabelle Rome, returned for us to the question of contraception, in particular that dedicated to men.
On the occasion of the launch of the new information site on abortion by Family Planning, Isabelle Rome spoke about the right to abortion and her desire to include it in the French Constitution. A major step forward which would make it possible to avoid, as was the case last June in the United States with the repeal of the Roe vs. Wade, to remove this fundamental right for French women. This is why Family Planning through its site abortion-contraception-sexuality.org struggle against misinformation and offers support on sexuality and contraception.
One last point to which the Minister Delegate for Equality between Women and Men came back with us. Isabelle Rome recalled that “since the Neuwirth law of 1967 authorizing contraception, then that of Simone Veil legalizing abortion (1975, editor’s note) France has never ceased to be at the forefront in terms of sexual and reproductive rights” and add: “the deadlines for recourse to abortion have been extended twelve to fourteen weeks and free contraception for women has been extended to women aged 25“. As for the morning after pill, Isabelle Rome assures that it will be “free for all women in 2023, without a prescription or age limit“.
What about male contraception?
If female contraception is less taboo, that of men remains invisible. 41 years after the pill was first marketed, heated briefs, vasectomy or hormonal methods for men are still just myths for the majority of heterosexual couples. A situation that could change? “This is a subject that I would like to discuss sincethere is no objective reason for contraception to rest solely on the shoulders of women“, says the minister.
“For me, male contraception is an important topic which I will work on and which I will consider with the Minister of Health. Very soon, I will meet the different actors of this subject“. While every year, hope is reborn with the appearance of yet another potential contraceptive pill for men, the involvement of Minister Isabelle Rome in this cause could shake things up. According to a 2021 study, Opinion Way for 20 minutes4 out of 10 men would be willing to take the pill.