PIP: Since the Neuwirth law of 1967 legalizing contraception in France, the apparent fear of the legislature that the birth rate will fall further or the population will become promiscuous has prompted many restrictions. The law has not affected the birth rate, which has stabilized after a falling trend since 1920. The young people are sexually active at increasingly earlier ages, despite restrictions on contraception for minors. The 1967 law permits sale of contraceptives exclusively in pharmacies; not even family planning clinics may dispsense them. Prescriptions must be accompanied by a form "carnet a souche" putting the name and age of the user on file in the health department. Prescriptions may be renewed only for 1 year. Minors under 18 must have written parental consent, as must women 18-21 who want oral contraceptives. These restrictions do not apply to the territories of Martinique, Guadeloupe and Reunion. Restrictions on IUDs cover type of establishment, facilities, physicians' licenses, forms filed with the health department. Information on contraception is spread primarily by private nonprofit associations such as the French Movement for Family Planning, but with small financial resources and no government assistance. In 1972, 2 types of family planning counseling centers were established by the National Assembly: centers for information, consultation or family counseling, and centers of planning or family education. The required staff (gynecologist, psychiatrist, midwife, social worker and family counselor) and facilities of these centers have been set by law.