No haste on free condoms on campus

A Chinese staff distributes free condoms to students on the campus of Chongqing University on the World AIDS Day in Chongqing, China, on December 1, 2010. [Photo/IC]

THE HEALTH AND family planning commission of Zhejiang province, East China, plans to install vending machines for condoms in the 128 colleges in the province, which has provoked a heated online debate. The People's Daily carried the following comments on Thursday:

The plan to provide free contraceptives for college students is a sign of the huge progress Chinese society has made. But although the provincial family planning commission is trying to raise awareness of safe sex, it is still a little hasty perhaps to install condom vending machines on campuses.

Despite the Chinese public being less conservative than before, it is beyond what many could accept. And some may view such a practice as an acquiescing to and encouraging premarital sex between students, which means the colleges and authorities can expect complaints and criticism from some.

Therefore, before all parties implement such a practice, it is recommended it is gradually carried out so as to better mentally prepare people.

First, the health and family planning department should solicit public opinions before making a final decision. If the opposition outweighs support, the vending machines could be located nearby instead of on the campus itself.

Moreover, active publicity could be adopted to make students realize the importance of safe sex. Also, while setting up these vending machines, students' privacy should be taken into full consideration; otherwise, it will defeat the purpose of the machines.