Experts are slamming an apparent move by Karnataka to ban the sale of contraceptives to minors, amid confusion over whether the state actually issued a circular.
The confusion began on Wednesday, with news reports claiming that Drugs Controller of Karnataka Bhagoji T Khanapure had issued a circular in this regard.
The reports said the circular prohibited all pharmaceutical and medical stores in the state from selling condoms, oral contraceptives, and antidepressants to minors.
Khanapure explained: “We have asked pharmacists and drug stores to create awareness amongst minors who are coming to purchase condoms and oral contraceptives.”
Experts opined that any move to stifle the supply of birth-control measures — like condoms or contraceptive pills — to minors might not be a good idea.