BRUSSELS – Contraceptives such as birth control pills are set to become cheaper in Belgium thanks to a new deal between the health ministry and country’s pharmacists, the Belga news agency reported on Tuesday.

Under the agreement Health Minister Rudy Demotte has agreed to increase the amount of money the state will reimburse when people buy contraceptives.

The move is designed to cut the number of teenage pregnancies in Belgium.

For example, under the new rules, birth control pills and other approved contraceptives will be free for 15 to 20 year olds.

The new legislation is set to enter into force at the beginning of May.

[Copyright Expatica News 2004]

Subject: Belgian news