According to the Health Barometer 2010, more than 91% of sexually active French women aged 15 to 24 reported using a contraceptive method in 2010.
However, one in three pregnancies is still unplanned, and in two-thirds of cases, it occurs while using contraception.
These findings lead to rethinking the French strategy in light of foreign experiences, where the combination of information policies and access to contraception varies according to the country’s means and culture.
Some foreign initiatives can be cited: centralized access to sexuality information provided by the Swiss government or early awareness on these topics within Dutch kindergartens.
This is particularly focused on preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Access for young people to information and contraception that meets their needs is therefore problematic.
The sexual practices of minors and young adults have common characteristics but also specificities that need to be considered in preventive policies.
Sex education in schools and communication campaigns raise many debates.
What should their content and methods be? Should the issue of STIs be coupled with contraception? How can we address both men and women? What respective roles should parents and professionals play?
Furthermore, the methods of prescribing contraception, in terms of cost, confidentiality, and informed choice, also constitute a realm of public action.
Thus, it is relevant to rethink the French strategy in light of foreign experiences, where the combination of information policies and access to contraception varies according to the country’s means and culture.
