Environmental Risks of Condom Use: The Urgent Need for Green Policy Reform in Birth Control

Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Faculty of Law, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: perwitiningsih@umy.ac.id

Abstract

Condoms are widely used as an effective contraceptive method to support reproductive health and protect children’s rights through planned parenthood. However, their environmental impact, particularly as non-biodegradable waste, remains underexplored. Existing studies report that condom waste contributes to aquatic and terrestrial pollution, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem quality. This research aims to analyze the legal and ecological dilemma arising from condom use in family planning, and to propose alternative regulatory solutions. A normative legal method was applied, using statutory and conceptual approaches. Data were obtained through literature studies of relevant laws, journal articles, and previous research. The study found that condom waste disrupts aquatic ecosystems, harms soil structure, and introduces microplastics, with regulatory frameworks failing to address this specific issue. To overcome these challenges, the adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is recommended to obligate producers in managing post-consumption waste and promoting eco-friendly material innovations. In conclusion, an integrated policy reform combining EPR implementation, environmental-based product design, and public education is essential to ensure sustainable waste management while safeguarding reproductive health programs. This study is one of the first legal analyses to systematically examine condom waste and propose an EPR-based regulatory framework within Indonesian environmental law.