The UK Government has cut public health budgets by a whopping £800m over six years. One shocking result of this is that some women no longer have access to the full array of contraception options.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (Larc) such as coils and implants are popular choices for many women. However, expert research has found that community clinics delivering contraceptive care are being closed. At the same time, one in three councils has cut, or is considering cutting, the number of GP practices able to provide Larc methods.
On average, women will spend around three decades planning or preventing pregnancy. Contraception is a key part of women's healthcare and a wide range of methods should be available to all women, regardless of budget cuts. By removing women's access to contraception options it also costs the health care system more money as a result of increased unplanned pregnancies. It is estimated that every pound spent on contraception saves the health care system £11 in future health care costs.
These government cuts are not only removing women's hard-won right to choose their contraception method, they are also economically irresponsible. Women must have access to all contraception options available.
Sign today to demand the Department of Health take responsibility for ensuring that contraception services are not cut, and to demand the Treasury provides necessary funds to protect this essential part of women's healthcare.
*Photo Credit Women's eNews CC BY-2.0 Photo cropped to fit.
To the Department of Health and Treasury,
As someone who believes strongly in women's reproductive health and rights I am deeply concerned about the recent budget cuts affecting access to contraception options for women, especially the coil and implant which are long-term, cost-effective options.
A policy needs to be developed to protect all contraceptive services provided by GPs and clinics. This policy would ultimately save the NHS money as it is estimated that for every pound spent on contraception in England it saves £11 in health care costs for unplanned pregnancies and abortions.
This is not only sound financial policy but good for women's health. Women must have access to a wide array of contraception options in order to ensure that any pregnancies are planned. A woman's reproductive health is important to an entire society and the more women can be supported in having contraceptive options, the better.
The Department of Health must ensure no cuts to contraceptive services are made by councils, GPs or clinics and the Treasury must provide the funds to deliver these services.
I urge you to immediately protect all contraceptive services that are offered by GPs and clinics, especially Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (Larc) options.
[Your Comment Here]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
