U.K. reduces tax
on condoms

The United Kingdom will soon reduce the value-added tax applied to condoms and emergency contraception sold in the country to make the products more affordable and reduce sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. The government plans to reduce the tax on condoms and emergency contraception from 17.5% to 5%, which would save U.K. consumers about $8.8 million each year. The nation's treasury will formally announce the tax cut when it introduces the U.K. annual budget on March 22. The tax cut is expected to take effect immediately. AIDS advocates and family planning experts welcomed the tax cut but say the government still needs to do more to educate U.K. citizens about the ongoing need to practice safer sex. (Advocate.com)