D.C. Distributes Female Condoms

Within the next few weeks, the country’s capital will be handing out 500,000 female condoms at no cost. Following a study that showed large numbers of African American heterosexuals engaging in “risky sexual behavior,” the District will start passing out the condoms at beauty salons, convenience stores, and high schools in the five wards that showed increased risk of HIV infection. Male condoms have long been distributed widely and freely, and the move targets women, to allow them to prevent and protect themselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, and from partners who refuse to use protection. The female condom has been on the U.S. market since 1993, but women have complained about its original price point, which has since been reduced to be more on par with male condoms.