Kelly Osbourne Backs Campaign to Stop Unplanned Pregnancies

Call for action comes as new research reveals Britons’ blasé attitude towards unprotected sex

London: 26 September 2008 (World Contraception Day):

Kelly Osbourne today joins UK and international health groups, to highlight the shocking ambivalence of the British public towards the use of contraception and address the burgeoning problem of unplanned pregnancies, on World Contraception Day.

Ignorance around contraception is highlighted with more than a third (38%) of those who are sexually active in the UK admitting they risked pregnancy by having sex without using contraception. More than half (52%) also admitted not talking to their partner about contraception before having sex, according to new independent research carried out by Kudos Research on behalf of Marie Stopes International .

Supporting World Contraception Day, Kelly Osbourne said: “This campaign is important because it empowers young people to make informed choices about contraception. Today, young women face many pressures and challenges when dealing with relationships and sex, but my message is simple when it comes to contraception: it’s your life, it’s your body and it’s your choice. When to have a baby is one of the biggest decisions in your life. Talk to your partner and your doctor about the best contraception and protection to empower you to make a conscious family planning decision.”

In the UK, there are over 16 methods of contraception available. However, more than half of the recent survey respondents were unable to name five or more methods, and 43% of respondents admitted to not having discussed their contraceptive options with their contraception prescriber or provider1.

We hope World Contraception Day encourages people to consider their contraceptive choices and the many contraceptive options available, to ensure pregnancies occur by choice, not chance“ said Pauline Beddoes, Nurse Manager at Marie Stopes International.

“Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can be very traumatic and upsetting, and the impact of deciding whether or not to continue with the pregnancy can cause long-lasting distress to women and their partners. In the UK, where family planning support and access to contraception is available for all, many unplanned pregnancies could be prevented” she continued.

The UK has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Europe , and the rate of abortions in England and Wales has increased more than eight-fold since legislation came into effect in 1968 . As well as significant personal crisis, unplanned pregnancy and abortion cause an increasing burden on society. In the UK during 2006 – 2007, abortions cost the National Health Service an average of £650 per abortion .

On the 40th anniversary year of the United Nations declaring contraception and family planning a basic human right, World Contraception Day highlights the impact of unplanned pregnancy to educate young people on making informed choices about contraception and help prevent unwanted pregnancies. In 2008, the campaign aims to educate young people about making informed choices on contraception under the campaign motto ‘Your body, your life, your choice’. Seventy countries are expected to participate in World Contraception Day 2008.

For further information please contact:

Emily James
Cohn & Wolfe
0207 331 2336
Emily.james@cohnwolfe.com

Categories: United Kingdom; Europe; Advocacy & campaigning

26/09/2008

Kelly Osbourne Backs Campaign to Stop Unplanned Pregnancies

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