Brazil supports birth control pills for the poor

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has announced plans to support contraceptives for the poor. Accordingly, the price of oral contraceptives will be reduced almost to free for those in need.

The issue of abortion is controversial in Brazil (Photo: AFP)

According to the President, this $ 51 million program is intended to help the poor have the right to have children as they wish and the rich. This largest Latin American country has also implemented a free condom program to deal with AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

In the past, in some public hospitals, there was a program to provide free contraceptive pills, however many poor people had no access to this program. The new program will be implemented in more than 3,500 private pharmacies with birth control pills sold at significantly reduced prices - about 20 cents.

The government is also considering implementing free vasectomy surgeries at state hospitals. Feminist groups welcome this plan, and hope to help reduce 800,000 illegal abortions in Brazil each year.

T.VY