Commenting on the 2004 figures Anne Weyman, fpa (Family Planning Association) Chief Executive said:

?These figures highlight the urgent need to improve NHS contraceptive services. Greater investment is needed to improve access to services and train more health professionals in order to prevent unintended pregnancy. It's also essential women and men know more about the full range of 14 contraceptive methods in order to protect their sexual health.?

?It is encouraging to see that there have been improvements to abortion services. More than ever are now being funded by the NHS (82% compared to 80% in 2003), and an increased number of women are having early abortions (56% of NHS funded abortions took place under 10 weeks compared to 52% in 2003) which also means more women have the choice of a medical rather than surgical abortion.?

?However, there are still improvements that could be made in terms of waiting times and service delivery and we would like to see these made an urgent priority at national level.?

For further information contact fpa's press office 020 7923 5202/5201 or 07958 921060.

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