NORTH West women lack information and education on basics of available options, according to a top charity

As Sexual Health Week (SHW) 2014 begins, the UK’s leading sexual health charity, the Family Planning Association, released figures showing that many women in this region are left embarrassed and unsure on the topic.

In a survey of more than 2,000 women, findings rang alarm bells.

Among findings: almost half (49 per cent) wrongly thought that using emergency contraception might cause an abortion; 45 per cent said they would not know how to even access it, if needed.

And only 13 per cent of women learnt about the option at school.

The FPA’s Natika Halil said: “Our research shows many barriers exist for women. SHW this year is all about dispelling myths and reminding women (and clinicians) that using emergency contraception is responsible – no need for embarrassment or shame.”

The FPA’s site includes many new interactive online sex and relationships resources to help people with reviewing the large selection of options available to them.

For more information, see: fpa.org.uk/contraception-help/my-contraception-tool.