New research reveals that 95% of women think family planning methods should be advertised on television

Research launched on the same day that complaints about the first television advert on emergency contraception are rejected

According to news reports, the Advertising Standards Authority has rejected more than 100 complaints about the first UK television advert for the emergency contraception pill. Leading sexual and reproductive health charity Marie Stopes International makes the following statement:

“Marie Stopes International is pleased that the Advertising Standards Authority has rejected complaints about the first television advert for the emergency contraception pill.

This comes on the same day that Marie Stopes International has launched new research into why women in the UK have unintended pregnancies. The research reveals that a huge majority of women who have unplanned pregnancies (95%) agreed that family planning methods should be advertised on television and/or radio.

When asked to recall contraceptive methods, less than one in 10 women (8.4%) independently recalled emergency contraception, which is of particular concern given the role it plays in preventing unintended pregnancy should unprotected sex have taken place or following a contraceptive accident. The advert on emergency contraception provides women with much needed advice and clarity on where to access emergency contraception should their regular contraception have failed.

As a result of the research, entitled “The Condom Broke!” Why do Women in the UK have Unintended Pregnancies? Marie Stopes International is calling for greater effort, through public education campaigns and advertising of family planning methods and services, to increase women’s awareness of the full range of contraceptive options and regular use of a method suitable to their lifestyles.

MSI is also calling for healthcare professionals to provide women with comprehensive contraceptive information and access to the full range of modern methods via dedicated client consultations, and for more investment in training for healthcare professionals in fitting long acting reversible contraceptive methods (LARCs), which are a critical part of the Government’s strategy to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions in the UK.”

For a research brief or full copy of the research report, please contact Emily James: 020 7034 2307 / emily.james@mariestopes.org.uk

Categories: United Kingdom; Europe; Abortion; Contraception

15/07/2009

New research reveals that 95% of women think family planning methods should be advertised on television

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Marie Stopes International