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After more than three years of discussions, Spain’s Minister for Health Mónica García announced on Monday September 22 that her department aims to make condoms free for young people aged 14 to 22 by the end of the year.

 

The main goal of the initiative is to slow the spread of sexually transmitted infections among young people. According to the latest figures from the Ministry of Health, the number of people affected by STIs rose to 23,333 in 2022, an increase of more than 9,000 compared with the previous year. Gonorrhoea and syphilis were the most common infections.

 

The Ministry also noted that most cases occur in young adults and men, particularly those aged 25 to 34.

 

According to the World Health Organisation, 30% of young people do not use a condom during sexual intercourse. To tackle this, the Ministry has been working since last year to promote condom use, with a €10 million investment in 2024 to fund free condoms for young people aged 16 to 22.

 

During her appearance, Minister García also explained that her department is finalising a report on the monitoring and compliance of the abortion law to identify any issues.

 

“For example, in Madrid, in the last 10 years, there have been 162,000 voluntary abortions, of which only 177 have been performed in public hospitals. We will continue fighting for a right that has been won for many years, a right won by women, and we will expand that right so that it can be realised,” Ms García said.

 

She also pointed out that next week marks International Safe Abortion Day, which coincides with the 40th anniversary of Spain’s first law recognising this right.

 

The minister stressed that abortion should be guaranteed within the National Health System.

“We need public healthcare to be a place that inspires citizens' trust and a place that guarantees quality services, ensuring that women in our country can voluntarily terminate their pregnancies,” she said.

 

Following this, García highlighted the importance of sexual health education for young people and future generations, describing it as “something positive, safe and healthy.”

 

 

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