fpa Welcomes New Government Initiative To Promote Long-Acting Reversible Contraception, UK

Main Category: Fertility
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 07 Feb 2008 - 2:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Julie Bentley, Chief Executive fpa said:

"fpa are delighted with this new initiative and money from the government which will make positive changes to the sexual health of young people. It is also encouraging to see the emphasis placed on sex and relationships education, which fpa believes should become a statutory and mandatory part of the national curriculum.

"Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) fits in with the needs of modern women's lifestyles. They're among the most effective contraceptive methods in preventing pregnancy; once fitted women don't need to think about using them and, with the exception of the injection, a woman's fertility returns straight away once they're removed. Because LARCs are so effective they also offer real cost savings to women and the NHS because there is less unplanned pregnancy and abortion.

"We expect that training health professionals to fit and provide LARCs will be a very important part of this initiative. Professional training is central to the scheme's success, and will ensure that women can access a wide range of contraceptive methods from GP surgeries and contraceptive clinics.

"We also need to remember that access to contraception isn't just an issue for the young. There are more women in their twenties, thirties and forties using contraception than under 18s and their needs are just as important."

LARC methods are: the IUD, the IUS, the injection and the implant. Find out more about these methods from fpa's website http://www.fpa.org.uk

fpa (Family Planning Association) is the only registered charity working to improve the sexual health and reproductive rights of all people throughout the UK.

Family Planning Association