New research from fpa for this year's Sexual Health Week (1-7thAugust) shows that the NHS in England could save almost £1 billion over 15 years by investing in contraceptive services and speeding up women's access to abortion services by just 10 days.

Key findings show that by changing contraceptive prescribing patterns and raising the profile of different methods of contraception, the number of unintended pregnancies would fall and costs incurred by abortion and maternity services would be cut by £500 million over 15 years, resulting in annual savings of around £33 million. The research also indicates that the contraceptive methods routinely offered to women do not always meet their needs and estimates that the use of implants and the IUS would increase by 9% and 8% respectively if women's true preferences were met.

The report shows that by cutting abortion waiting times by 10 days more women would be eligible for early medical abortion or a surgical abortion under local anaesthetic - both of which are more cost effective and less complicated than other options, making a further saving of up to £30 million per year. Currently, waiting times for abortion vary widely: whilst 30% of Primary Care Trusts offer abortions within 14 days, 16% make women wait more than 28 days*.

Anne Weyman, Chief Executive of fpa said: "This research sends a clear and urgent message to Chief Executives of PCTs that they must champion fertility choices and invest to save. A comprehensive review of contraceptive and abortion services could save the NHS over £60 million a year, not only in these specific areas but across related sectors. Cutting corners in service provision is a false economy."

"Around 80% of women obtain their contraception from general practice, which is often unable to offer many of the longer acting methods. PCTs should urgently review GP training and ongoing support, especially for methods such as implants, IUDs and the IUS. There is also a real lack of knowledge among women about all their contraceptive options."

"For PCTs to reduce waiting times for abortions by 10 days is a wholly achievable objective. Many PCTs have already made good progress in bringing waiting times down and we urge the rest to assess how they can implement systematic changes across these services. All PCTs must increase women's choices by ensuring that women know about the different methods of early abortion and provide the services needed."

A model for PCTs to help with the practical task of reducing costs in the services they provide will be available when the full report is published in September 2005. An executive summary will be sent to all PCT Chief Executives across England.

"PCTs are under huge financial pressure to provide cost-effective and streamlined services. This way they can improve healthcare provision and save money at the same time." she added.

For further information please contact fpa's press office on 020 7923 5201/5202. Mobile 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.

* All Party Parliamentary Pro-Choice & Sexual Health Group survey NHS Abortion Services June 2004

1. The 'Economics of Sexual Health' research by Newcastle University was commissioned by fpa to establish whether it was possible to make contraceptive and abortion services better for users whilst saving money. The two year investigation was conducted by the Centre for Health Services Research (CHSR) at the University.

2. The research was compiled using data from Prescription Analysis and Cost data (PACT) regarding women aged between 15-49, DH abortion statistics and consultation with a panel of experts.

3. Other campaign activity for sexual health week includes campaign packs of posters, postcards and leaflets sent to over 2,000 health and related professionals in the UK. Artwork can be downloaded from http://www.fpa.org.uk.

4. There are fourteen methods of contraception. Methods and percentage of use among women aged 16-49 years old (Contraception and Sexual Health 2003, Office of National Statistics) are as follows:
Combined Pill/Progestogen-only Pill (25%) Condom (23%) Male Sterilisation (12%) Female Sterilisation (11%) IUD (4%) Injection/Implant (3%), IUS (1%), Cap/Diapragm (1%), Natural Family Planning (1%), Female Condom (0)%, Patch (unknown)

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