Why Abortion? a new educational DVD exploring the realities faced by women with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, is being launched today by fpa. An excellent new resource for schools and adult community groups, the DVD will help people think about and understand the reasons behind why a woman may choose an abortion.

Why Abortion? can be used with any young person aged 14 and above by teachers, youth and community workers, social services and health professionals. It is also suitable for work with adults, particularly women's groups.

The DVD uses short drama pieces to portray different situations that women face in relation to an unplanned pregnancy. There are nine scenarios in total and each is followed by a discussion among a group of young people.

Why Abortion? raises issues around abortion for both women and men. One scenario explores the feelings of a woman's partner as he tries to come to terms with an unplanned pregnancy. The DVD is accompanied by a manual to help guide professionals working through some of these complex issues. The DVD can be used by schools within Personal, Social and Health Education or Religious Education classes.

Julie Bentley, Chief Executive, fpa said: "Behind every abortion statistic is a woman making a difficult decision about her life. Why Abortion? will provide an excellent starting point for a discussion around abortion issues and will give people the chance to explore the many reasons why women may choose to have an abortion.

"One in five pregnancies (1) ends in abortion and one in two men knows a woman who has had an abortion (2)", continued Julie. "Abortion is a fact of life that affects both women and men. Therefore, it is important that young people's education includes the opportunity to discuss important issues such as this in a safe and supportive environment."

Why Abortion? costs £24.99 and is available to order now from fpa Direct. Contact fpa Direct by email at fpadirect@fpa.org.uk or shop online at http://www.fpa.org.uk.

Notes

1. From Conceptions Statistics 2006 for England and Wales, Office for National Statistics.
2. GFK/NOP World interviewed 621 men aged 18-45 on 6-18 December 2007 and 10-15 January 2008 in the United Kingdom. Weighting was applied to the data to bring it into line with national profiles.

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

http://www.fpa.org.uk