In the western Indian state of Maharashtra, a rubber penis found in family planning kits used by local health workers has sparked controversy.
The rubber models, according to opposition politicians, will shame female health workers who use the kits to raise awareness about reproductive health.
However, other employees claim that they have successfully used comparable concepts in the past.
A rubber uterus is also included in the package, which has received no negative feedback.
The kits were distributed to Ashas (Accredited Social Health Activists), who play an important role in India's primary and community health programs.
They have a variety of responsibilities, including going door to door to teach individuals about reproductive health and contraception use. Because sex is a taboo topic in many regions of India, this normally necessitates a great deal of sensitivity.
According to Dr. Archana Patil, director of Maharashtra's public health department, roughly 25,000 kits including the penis model have been provided to health workers and rural health centers across the state.
She went on to say that only one district, Buldhana, has given the model unfavorable criticism.