Karnataka Bans Sale Of Condoms, Contraceptives To Minors. But This Will Promote Unsafe Sex!
This was not thought through.
In these few days, there have been some applaudable as well as some questionable moves by governments across the country. Kerala’s decision to grant menstrual leaves to all female students in state universities was a commendable one but Karnataka’s new policy might raise eyebrows. The Karnataka government has asked all the pharmacists in the state to stop selling contraceptives and condoms to teenagers and school children. This came in view of a case where a schoolboy was found with a pack of condoms in his bag.
Karnataka’s Drug Control Department took this decision after continuous petitions to the authorities to take some strict action to curb this “Problem”. During a routine school investigation, many condom packets, whiteners and contraceptives were recovered from the bag of a class 10 boy. Post this, there was a heavy backlash faced by the Drug Control Department of Karnataka, and this was the first time when they went ahead to take such a step. All the pharmacists in the state have been strictly asked to refrain from selling these items to underage teens. They even mentioned that the government is promoting safe sex, but underage teens and schoolchildren have nothing to do with it.
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As per the news, the pharmacists have raised their concerns about this diktat (order). They have pointed out concerns regarding it and said that condoms are not something that is banned from being sold over the counter. They also highlighted that not selling condoms to children in uniforms is easy, however, if they come in regular dresses then it will be hard to distinguish and abide by the rules.
Also Read: Kerala HC Stresses Importance Of Sex Education In Schools Due To Rising Child Pregnancies Caused By Rape, Sexual Assault
Well, this also raises the question of unprotected sex that these kids might indulge in. This step by the Drugs Control Department will certainly stop kids from having sex, but on the other hand, leading them into unprotected sex by blocking access to condoms and contraceptives is worse. And we certainly cannot rule out this possibility. When they are promoting safe sex, keeping teenagers out of it is not the right option. Sex education is what the country needs to stress if they want the kids to be more aware of this topic, and behave accordingly.
First Published: January 19, 2023 1:04 PM
