The latest abortion statistics published by the Department of Health show 474 (0.3%) more abortions in England and Wales conducted on female residents over a one-year period in 2010.
The vast majority of abortions occur because of unwanted pregnancies. The best way to prevent unwanted pregnancies is to empower individuals. Better sex and relationship education (SRE) in the national curriculum and the provision of comprehensive contraceptive services can help to lower the abortion rate and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. This has long-term consequences on the teenage pregnancy rate, an individual’s level of educational attainment and their future employment prospects and the nation’s health and wellbeing.
There is concern that present NHS cuts and reform may mean that some services will suffer as a result of changes to healthcare structures and service provision. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) applauds the Coalition Government’s emphasis on public health and the proposal for closer working relationships between the NHS, local authorities, charities and independent providers. However, due consideration must be paid to sexual health needs and planning must be conducted at a regional level with local demands and needs in mind. Both the RCOG and the FSRH acknowledge the importance of sexual healthcare and would like Parliament to carefully consider how to best provide for the needs of those identified as at-risk as it further debates the Health & Social Care Bill after the pause.
24 May 2011