MINISTERS MUST LOOK AT WHY MESSAGE ON SAFE SEX ISN'T GETTING ACROSS- FINNIE

Written by Ross Finnie on Wed 25th Nov 2009

West of Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP Ross Finnie has demanded Ministers examine why the message on safe sex isn't getting across after it was revealed NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has some of the highest rates of sexual infections in Scotland.

In NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Clyde the rates of Genital Chlamydia diagnoses among men and women and particularly in those aged less than 25, were the highest recorded in Scotland. The rates of Genital Warts diagnoses in mean and women made in the GUM Clinic setting were also the highest in Scotland.

Commenting Mr Finnie said:

"Ministers and Health Professionals must look at why the message on safe sex still isn't getting across to our young people. Being open and honest about the risks of unprotected sex is vital if we are to reduce the number of infections in the West of Scotland.

"It is also clear that in the West of Scotland the link between deprivation and teenage pregnancy and abortion rates remain strong.

"Young women in our deprived areas are eight times as likely to have an abortion as those from more affluent areas.

"Sexual education must focus on girls in our most disadvantaged areas. They should know that abortion is not an alternative to contraception."

Ends

Notes to Editors link to full report: http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/5717.html