In a controversial move, the South Korean government has announced a ban on all forms of contraceptives, including condoms, pills, and IUDs. The ban, which will take effect on February 1, 2024, is part of a new policy to boost the country’s low birth rate and aging population.
The government claims that the ban will help increase the fertility rate, which has fallen to 0.84 children per woman in 2023, the lowest in the world. The government also hopes that the ban will encourage more young couples to get married and have children, as well as reduce the number of abortions and sexually transmitted diseases.
However, the ban has sparked outrage and criticism from various groups, such as women’s rights activists, health experts, and civil society organizations. They argue that the ban violates human rights, endangers women’s health, and increases the risk of unwanted pregnancies and infections. They also point out that the ban will not address the root causes of the low birth rate, such as the high cost of living, the lack of childcare support, and the gender inequality in the society.
The opponents of the ban have launched a campaign to protest against the policy and demand its repeal. They have also organized a mass condom giveaway event, dubbed “The Last Condoms in Korea”, to raise awareness and distribute the remaining contraceptives before the ban takes effect.