Culture and Social Issues

Blue State Promotes Map Directing Minors To Free Condoms

FDA gave the Reality female condom expedited review because of the urgency in providing women means of protecting themselves against sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. In announcing its approval in 1993, the agency indicated the limitations associated with this device, stating that the male latex condom remained the best shield against STDs, and announcing new labeling information would be included, e.g., the pregnancy rate experience in the trial—26 percent. Nevertheless, the Reality provided a long-sought, useful barrier method of contraception that was controlled by women. (Flickr/The U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Washington state promotes a map on its health department’s website directing minors to locations that offer free condoms.

The map, linked on the Washington State Department of Health’s Teen Health Hub, directs viewers to places that provide free condoms in the state. The condom map highlights locations like vape shops, Planned Parenthood chapters, taverns and tattoo parlors as offering free protection.

Some of the locations flagged by the map have “condom cube[s],” which are kits that include a variety of condom brands.

The map is approved by Washington’s Youth Advisory Council, according to the department. The council is a “group of diverse young people from around Washington” that “helps the Washington State Department of Health learn about the public health topics that are important to young people,” according to its description.

Last minute plans for #ValentinesDay? Don’t risk an unplanned pregnancy. Have condoms and Plan B available no matter what you are doing with your partner. Your local Family Planning clinic can help: https://t.co/tuS1jNLk6g #NationalCondomWeek pic.twitter.com/CADRQDLHZ1

— Washington State Department of Health (@WADeptHealth) February 10, 2020

The Teen Health Hub also recommends resources to minors related to abortion, transgenderism and sex education, according to its website,

The state passed a law in May 2023 requiring youth shelters to hide minors who have run away from their parents if they are seeking an abortion or sex-change operation.

One Washington school reportedly gave elementary students a lesson that pushed preferred pronouns and puberty blockers. Another school district in the state didn’t allow students to opt out of LGBT Pride-related lessons.

The Washington State Department of Health and Public Health Seattle and King County did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s requests for comment.