The UK’s leading sexual health charity Marie Stopes International issues the following statement.

“Marie Stopes International welcomes the publication of this landmark piece of research from one of the most respected and authoritative institutions in global health. The RCOG’s findings should give comfort and reassurance to any woman who finds herself in the extremely distressing position of having to make the decision to terminate a pregnancy at a later gestation.

“Later abortions are extremely rare. In 2009, for example, abortions above 20 weeks gestation represented just 1.47% of the total carried out in England and Wales, less than 3,000 cases. Of these, only 1,230 cases (0.65%) were performed at 22 weeks or over. Later abortion are carried for the most compelling reasons, such as severe foetal abnormality, risk to the health or life of the mother, or following a drastic change in the personal circumstances of the woman involved.

“It is vitally important to protect a woman’s right to access abortion services and British law rightly recognises this principle. The findings of the RCOG’s study only serve to reinforce the case for maintaining the 24 week time limit.’’

ends

All quotations in this media release are attributable to Anne Quesney, Marie Stopes International’s Policy and Parliamentary Advisor.

Further information: Tony Kerridge – 020 7034 2365 / 07748 948037

Katya Nasim – 020 7034 2389

For the first time ever, a commercial for unplanned pregnancy and abortion advisory services will be aired on British television. The commercial, to be screened first on Channel 4 at 10.10pm on 24th May 2010, is part of a new campaign by Marie Stopes International, the UK’s leading provider of sexual health services outside of the NHS.

The ground breaking commercial was created by Marie Stopes International after independent research showed that only 42%¹ of UK adults stated that they would know where to go for specialist advice (other than going to their GP) if they or their partner were faced with an unplanned pregnancy. The survey also showed that over three quarters of UK adults (76%)² agree that commercials about unplanned pregnancy advice services should be allowed on TV within appropriate broadcasting times.

Despite the fact that one in three women will have an abortion in their lifetime³, the subject is still not always openly, or honestly, discussed. While there is a lot of information about abortion available unfortunately not all of it is accurate or impartial. Marie Stopes International works to improve public understanding of unplanned pregnancy and abortion, and to help women make confident, informed sexual health choices.

The campaign asks 'Are you late?' - a question familiar to any woman who has missed her period, and directs women facing unplanned pregnancy to Marie Stopes International’s 24hr helpline, where they can receive non-judgemental support, advice and services. The commercial will air on Channel 4 from May 24th and throughout June.

In 2008, 215,975 abortions were performed in the UK – of which 195,296⁴ were for women resident in England and Wales. In this same period, 1,173 women were forced to travel at their own expense to England from Northern Ireland, where abortion remains largely unavailable. In 2009, Marie Stopes International performed about one in three of all abortions carried out in England and Wales.

Dana Hovig, Marie Stopes International's CEO said:

"Last year alone we received 350,000 calls to our 24 hour helpline. Clearly there are hundreds of thousands of women who want and need sexual health information and advice, and access to services. Marie Stopes International provides such support in a safe, non-judgemental environment. We hope the new ‘Are you late?’ campaign will encourage people to talk about abortion more openly and honestly, and empower women to make confident, informed choices about their sexual health."

For help and advice, call 0845 300 3737 (24 hours) or visit www.mariestopes.org.uk

¹ YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2096 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th - 11th February 2010. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

² YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2096 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th - 11th February 2010. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

³ Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, The Care of Women Requesting Induced Abortion, Evidence-based Clinical Guideline Number 7, September 2004, available at: http://www.rcog.org.uk/files/rcog-corp/uploaded-files/NEBInducedAbortionfull.pdf

⁴ The Department of Health, Statistical Bulletin, Abortion Statistics England and Wales: 2008, released 21st May 2009, available at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_099714.pdf

Marie Stopes International (MSI) is a specialist not-for-profit organisation providing expert and confidential care and support to men and women of all ages in relation to their sexual and health.

It has nine centres across the country delivering services in contraception, abortion, female sterilisation, vasectomy and health screening. It works in partnership with the NHS, supporting over 70 Primary Care Trusts to provide sexual health services.

For further information visit www.mariestopes.org.uk

• more than three quarters of respondents (76%) agree that adverts about condoms should be allowed
• eight out of ten respondents (80%) agree that adverts about contraceptive advice services should be allowed, and three quarters of respondents (75%) agree that adverts about contraceptive methods other than condoms should be allowed
• the vast majority of respondents (80%) agree that adverts about sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and advice services should be allowed.

• just under one in five (19%) have had sex with someone they just met due to the influence of alcohol at a party over the festive season
• nearly half (45%) admitted to having sex under the influence of alcohol that they wouldn’t have had if sober
• more than two in five (41%) have had sex that they regretted the morning after it happened
• nearly three quarters (73%) of male respondents and three in five (64%) female respondents stated that they have drunk to the point where they would describe themselves as ‘out of it’.

1.    Remove the need for two doctors’ signatures to authorise abortions
A formality which can lead to potential delays and is deemed unnecessary by a significant majority of doctors, including the British Medical Association (BMA) and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). 

2.    Allow suitably trained nurses and other health care practitioners to carry out abortions
Nurses are already involved in the care of women having abortions. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care welcome the move to extend and formalise the role of nurses.

3.   Extend the locations where abortions can take place to primary care level
Abortion, especially early abortion, is a common and straightforward procedure - 90% are carried out at under 13 weeks gestation. Now that the methods have changed and been simplified, complications from abortion are so rare, and so rarely serious, that the whole process of providing a safe abortion service can be “de-medicalised” appropriately. The Department of Health agrees that early medical abortion could be provided in non-hospital settings.

4.   Allow women the choice to be at home to complete early medical abortion
Last year the Science and Technology Committee concluded that: “subject to providers putting in place the appropriate follow-up arrangements, there is no evidence relating to safety, effectiveness or patient acceptability that should serve to deter Parliament passing regulations which would enable women who chose to do so taking the second stage of early medical abortion at home …”

5.   Ensure that anti-abortion organisations have to be transparent about their position when offering “counselling”
Safeguarding women, especially those who are most vulnerable, from ‘crisis pregnancy counselling’ centres which are usually opposed to abortion and may provide misleading information – such as ‘abortions cause infertility’. These agencies are likely to confuse and delay women.

6.   Making clear that the right to conscientiously object to providing services does not entitle practitioners to obstruct referral to other doctors
A recent Marie Stopes International study found that one in five GPs was opposed to abortion. This is a cause for concern as there is no guarantee that an anti-choice doctor will refer a patient to a colleague who will help. This practice also contravenes current professional guidelines.

7.  Extend the 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland – to end 40 years of discrimination against Northern Irish women, in violation of their rights as UK citizens under the Convention on Ending All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
For the past 40 years, women from Northern Ireland with unwanted pregnancies have been forced to travel to the mainland of Great Britain or another European country and pay themselves to obtain a safe, legal abortion - a health care service that is free and available on the NHS to all other female citizens of the United Kingdom. This is a discriminatory and degrading treatment that violates both civil and political rights. 

Tony Kerridge, MSI Senior Communications Officer (Press and Public Affairs)
Tel: 020 7034 2365
E-mail: tony.kerridge@mariestopes.org.uk

The exhibition, which runs until July 12 at the Upper Waiting Hall in the House of Commons, features the work by young participants who took part in the pilot stage of a unique and creative educational project developed and lead by global sexual and reproductive health organisation, Marie Stopes International (MSI). The aim of the project has been to encourage young people to learn about and share their thoughts and concerns about sexual and reproductive health and rights both in the developing world and in the UK.

Minister of State for Schools and Learners, Jim Knight MP, who was present at the launch, said, “Zoom In! is exactly the sort of thing we want to see going on in schools, not only in terms of young people understanding the world and being able to exchange ideas and show shared problems, but also in terms of delivering what we want in community cohesion. The way the project helps highlight the shared problems we have in respect to sexual health and education is really important.”

A unique element of the project is the inclusion of photographs and stories from adolescents in the developing world. In all, MSI worked with eight developing country partners - Bangladesh, China, Mexico, Pakistan, Uganda, Viet Nam, Zambia and Zimbabwe - who in turn worked with adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18. These adolescents were given disposable cameras so that they might express their feelings through photography and story writing. In this way, they have been able to reach out and share their thoughts with people in the UK.

The Zoom In! project uses these photos and stories as a key resource in an education pack that encourages discussion of the issues. Young UK students are encouraged to replicate the photography project as a way of involving them in the sexual and reproductive health issues raised, allowing them to highlight similarities or differences between their own experiences and those of their peers in the developing world.

“It helps bring us together and allows us to celebrate our differences in a really positive way and the linking together of countries is a key part of that,” said Mr Knight.

MSI is delighted to have been behind the development of a project that not only encourages young people in the UK to understand and engage with the issues of sexual health and rights for their own benefit, but also helps broaden their understanding of the world around them so that they can appreciate that they are, in fact, global citizens.

For more information and copies of the Zoom In! Facilitator’s pack, contact

Diana Thomas, Communications Manager, Marie Stopes International

diana.thomas@mariestopes.org.uk

When presented with a list of potential situations, six out of ten (61%) British women aged 18-49 say there are certain circumstances in which they think a woman should have the right to access an abortion between 20 and 24 weeks, according to the findings from an independent survey carried out by Ipsos MORI on behalf of Marie Stopes International.

The potential circumstances listed were:

• The foetus is diagnosed with severe abnormalities
• She was raped
• The pregnancy places her own health at risk
• She has an abusive partner
• She was delayed by her doctor
• She did not realised earlier that she was pregnant
• She is young and has been in denial of pregnancy signs
• Her partner has left her during the pregnancy
• Other

Only four percent of respondents both supported a woman’s right of access to an abortion yet also felt there were no grounds for abortion between 20 and 24 weeks: An outcome unlikely to be welcomed by those who seek to remove the right to abortion between 20 and 24 weeks under any circumstances.

19% answered that they disagreed that, in general, all women should have the right of access to an abortion, 57% agreed and 24% were neutral, or answered that they did not know or preferred not to answer.

The survey of 1,032 British women is released to coincide with today’s vote on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill in the House of Commons, which includes a number of amendments seeking to reduce the limit for abortions from 24 weeks to as low as 12 weeks.

Marie Stopes International strongly urges MPs to give their full support to British women and vote to retain the 24 week limit for abortion when they cast their free vote on the amendments later today.

“The danger is that some MPs may abstain, rather than engage in this difficult and emotive issue,” said Anne Quesney, Head of Advocacy at Marie Stopes International, the UK’s largest independent provider of abortion services.

“But an abstention is tantamount to a vote for a reduction, which will deny some of the most vulnerable women access to a desperately needed service.

“But an abstention is tantamount to a vote for a reduction, which will deny some of the most vulnerable women access to a desperately needed service.

“Later abortions are extremely rare, less than two per cent of the total. As a society we should be supporting women through this difficult time, rather than forcing them into motherhood against their will, making them seek out illegal or unsafe practices or travel abroad to access later abortion services.

“The entire medical establishment and all recent scientific and medical research have endorsed the call to retain the 24 week limit on abortion. Now we have a similar clear endorsement from those who will be most adversely affected by any reduction in the limit – women themselves.”

Technical details

• The Ipsos MORI Social Research Institute carried out face-to-face interviews with a representative quota sample of 1,032 women aged 18-49 across Great Britain between 2 and 15 May 2008.
• The questions were ‘self-completed’ by respondents.
• All data have been weighted to the known profile of the GB population.

Full results for this question will be available from the Ipsos MORI website - http://www.ipsos-mori.com/

ends

The new policy reflects a significant move from more conventional methods such as the contraceptive pill. From now on doctors will be advising women not to automatically choose the pill but to consider alternative methods such as the injection and implant which can last up to three months and three to five years respectively. A national campaign geared towards young women and teenagers will fully inform them about the broad range of contraception now available.

“British women have traditionally relied upon the contraceptive pill. At present, one in three women using prescribed contraception choose the pill whilst only 14% use long-acting methods.” said Dr Kate Worsley, Head of the Medical Development Team at Marie Stopes International.

“Worryingly four out of five women forget to take their pill for two or more days every month making if far less effective. If they opt for longer acting methods, which don’t rely on their remembering to take a pill every day, their contraceptive method will be 99% reliable". added Dr Worsley.

In fact, the Department of Health estimates that if more women choose alternatives such as the injection and implant, the number of unplanned pregnancies could be reduced by as many as 73,000.

MSI wholeheartedly supports the promotion of increased information about the full range of contraception available together with improved access.

"This will allow women to carefully consider longer acting contraceptive methods such as the coil, the injection and the implant and opt for them if they suit their lifestyles." Said Dr Worsley. However, it is crucial to remember that condoms are still the only contraceptive method which offer protection against sexually transmitted infections and HIV / AIDS."

For further information or to arrange an interview with Dr Worsely, please contact the MSI Press Team:
Tel: 020 7034 2307

Marie Stopes International (MSI) highly commended the recommendations in the UK Parliament’s Science and Technology Committee report on the UK Abortion Law, which found the lack of medical grounds for reducing the 24-week time limit at which women may legally obtain an abortion.

“After intensive lobbying by anti-choice groups - including ‘evidence’ that abortions cause cancer - the committee’s report represents a victory for science over thinly-veiled ideological hokum,” said Dana Hovig, MSI chief executive. “Last year about 1,100 UK women had an abortion between 22 and 24 weeks. Some were teenagers who panicked and hid their pregnancy. Others had no idea they were pregnant because they were on the contraceptive pill. We can only guess how many of these would have resorted to unsafe measures if safe abortion were not available to them.”

The committee report, which comes forty years after abortion was made legal in most of the UK, reported on the committee’s examination of how medical advances – such as pills for abortion instead of surgical methods – might have implications for updating the law.

The committee concluded that pills prescribed for abortion are sufficiently safe, both for qualified nurses to prescribe them and for women to complete the procedure at home. It further concluded that the existing requirement for two doctor’s signatures to allow a woman an abortion should be removed.

“Removing two signatures and improving access to abortion pills will reduce waiting times and are the best and safest means to minimize late-term abortions,” explained Hovig. “We believe the Committee has acted responsibly and look now to Parliament to act upon the Committee’s recommendations.”

Hovig added that MSI calls on MPs to “give due consideration to women in Northern Ireland for whom abortion services remain severely restricted.”

For more information, please contact:
Diana Thomas 020 7034 2317, diana.thomas@mariestopes.org.uk or
Anna Mawer, 020 7034 2307, anna.mawer@mariestopes.org.uk

To an audience of nearly 800 doctors, politicians, pro-choice activists, donors and members of civil society from over 60 countries, the architect of the 1967 Abortion Act said:

“Many argue that the “two doctors” requirement causes undesirable delay, and since 1967 many of our European neighbours have legislated for abortion up to the 12th or 13th week of pregnancy without such a requirement. The [Parliamentary Science and Technology] Committee should address that.”

Lord Steel also appeared to back the Department of Health position on retaining the current 24 week limit for most abortions.

“There needs to be convincing evidence of viability earlier than that to justify a further change – improvements in photographic technique are not themselves sufficient.”

Lord Steel also clarified his position on the number of abortions carried out in Britain today.

“There can be no such thing as a “correct” number of abortions,” he said. “We in Britain have a much lower rate than in the USA where the subject is a bigger and sometimes more violent debate.

“Each individual case has to be considered on its merits, and the best person to judge that is in most cases the pregnant woman herself.”

Lord Steel was speaking at the final plenary session at the conference, which was organised by Marie Stopes International in association with Abortion Rights and Ipas. The conference was convened to mark the 40th anniversary of Lord Steel’s groundbreaking act (27 October, 2007) and also explored abortion as a global public health and rights issue which annual claims 66,000 women’s lives.

For more information please contact:

Marie Stopes International
Tony Kerridge
07748 948037

Delegates at the conference, which is being held in association with campaigning group Abortion Rights, were told that the forthcoming Human Tissue and Embryology Bill, which is being introduced in the next parliament, is likely to attract amendments from both sides of the abortion divide.

Representatives from the Voice for Choice consortium of 13 organisations, including MSI, BPAS, Abortion Rights, Brook and the fpa, outlined its key campaigning objectives.

• Abortion to be available solely at the request of the pregnant woman within existing time limits 
• Abortion to be subject to the same statutory regulations as other medical services 
• Suitably trained nurse practitioners to be allowed to provide early medical and surgical abortions, in both NHS and non-NHS sectors 
•  The law in Northern Ireland to be brought into line with the rest of the UK

A new national survey commissioned by Abortion Rights and carried out by NOP confirms that the campaign has broad public support. Over 8 out of 10 respondents (83%) support women’s right to choose an abortion, whilst over half (52%) support the principle that either one doctor or no doctors at all should sanction abortion.

“Public support for removing the need for doctors to sanction abortion mirrors recent findings from a MSI survey of general practitioners, where 52% agreed to the principle of abortion at the request of the woman concerned,” said /Dr Kate Worsley, Head of Marie Stopes International’s Medical Development Team.

“This change would bring Britain into line with many of her European neighbours - where abortion on request is available - and is long overdue.”

“Forty years ago we were on the eve of a vote which would transform women’s lives,” said Anne Quesney, Director of Abortion Rights. “The 1967 Act ended decades of dangerous backstreet abortions and save the lives and health of thousands of women in Britain.

“Forty years of safe legal abortion in Great Britain is something to celebrate and the majority of the British public feels that the legislation is now out of date. We are confident that positive legislative reform will happen soon.”

Also speaking at the briefing were Emily Thornberry MP, Vice-Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Pro-Choice and Sexual Health Group; Audrey Simpson, Director of the Family Planning Association of Northern Ireland; and Dr Kate Paterson, Consultant Gynaecologist, St Mary’s Hospital, London.

For more information please contact:

Marie Stopes International
Tony Kerridge
07748 948037

New research released today by Marie Stopes International reveals that two out of three general practitioners in Britain support a change in the law giving women the right to request abortion in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. This would end the current legal requirement for two doctors to give written consent before any abortion procedure can proceed. Results of the survey will be featured in Dispatches: Abortion: What We Need to Know, tonight on Channel 4 at 10.40pm.

The survey of a random selection of 1,000 registered general practitioners was carried out between February and September, 2007, by Colin Francome, Emeritus Professor at Middlesex University and Marie Stopes International. Over 70 per cent of doctors contacted responded to the written survey, which asked a range of questions about their attitudes to and opinions of abortion in modern Britain.

Other key findings from the survey included:

· Four out of five (80%) doctors described themselves as broadly ‘pro-choice’, but one in five (20%) said they were ‘anti abortion’;

· Three in five doctors (62%) agreed that current guidelines allowing under 16s to access abortion without the consent or knowledge of their parents were ‘satisfactory’;

· Almost two thirds of doctors (65%) thought that the current 24 week time limit for abortion should be reduced. Out of those who wanted a reduction nearly two thirds (62%) agreed that any revision to the upper limit should remain within 20-23 weeks.

The survey is released just days before Marie Stopes International convenes its ground breaking two day Global Safe Abortion Conference (23-24 October, at the QEII Centre in Westminster, London), which is being held to mark the 40^th anniversary of the 1967 Abortion Act (27 October).

Findings from the survey feature in Channel 4’s Dispatches: Abortion: What We Need to Know, which also looks at the latest scientific research into foetal pain and pre-term infant viability.

Comment in on the research study, Liz Davies, Director of UK Operations at Marie Stopes International said:

“We’re delighted to find such strong endorsement from general practitioners for a change in the law to remove the archaic requirement for two doctors to provide written consent in order for any first trimester abortion to proceed.

“Contrary to popular belief, we do not currently have abortion on request in Great Britain, unlike most other European countries, and reform is long overdue. Women should not be forced to justify their choices, but should be trusted to make the right decision and assisted by doctors to access appropriate services.”

Ms Davies confirmed, however, that other findings did cause some concern.

“We were surprised that so many doctors apparently support a reduction in the current 24 week limit as this directly contradicts a vote taken in 2005 by members attending the British Medical Association conference where 77 per cent supported the current limit, and evidence given to the Science and Technology Committee this week by the BMA, the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Royal College of Nursing, all of whom support 24 weeks,” added Ms Davies.

“Whatever the current true state of opinion, however, as providers we know that women who seek abortion at later gestations usually have the most compelling reasons for doing so, and in some instances have been delayed by external circumstances. Reducing the limit would cause real hardship for some women and would do nothing to significantly reduce the numbers of abortions in Britain.”

“Late abortions are rare in Britain – but keeping that option open to women is of fundamental importance.”

The new survey repeated many of the questions asked in similar research carried out by Marie Stopes International in 1999 in order to examine whether doctors’ attitudes had substantively changed during the intervening years. The report’s authors concluded that there had been no major changes in doctors’ position on abortion; the broad 80 per cent pro choice / 20 per cent anti abortion ratio, for example, was the same in 1999 and 2007.

However there was some evidence of a hardening of attitudes among the anti abortion minority.

“We found a significant increase among anti choice doctors in 2007 who did not feel that they should be obliged to declare any conscientious objection to abortion to any woman seeking help from them,” said Louise Bury from Marie Stopes International, who co-authored the research with Colin Francome.

“This finding is of particular concern, because it means that a significant minority of doctors could be actively blocking women from accessing abortion services, contrary to guidance issued by the General Medical Council, which requires them to refer women on to another doctor who will help them.

“This clearly reinforces our call for amendments to the law to remove doctors’ effective veto over women. Doctors should be facilitating women, not judging them.”

Copies of General Practitioners: Attitudes to Abortion (2007) are available from press@mariestopes.org.uk or can be downloaded from the website: www.mariestopes.org.uk

The kit which also comes with a makeup mirror is available at each of MSI’s nine UK centres for only £15.

“We’re not encouraging women holidaymakers to go on abroad specifically to have sex,” says Dr Kate Worsley, Marie Stopes International’s Head of Medical Development, “we just want them to be responsible and prepared in case that situation arises. Of course we encourage people to use a reliable form of contraception, such as condoms or pills, however emergency contraception if needed is usually particularly hard to get while on holiday.”

A recent survey of women seeking abortions at Marie Stopes centres revealed that 41% had previously used Emergency Contraception because their condom had split while a third (34%) had sought it because they had used no contraception at all.

“These results clearly show that there is a need for Emergency Contraception – especially over the holiday season. We all know that when having fun in the sun some people can lose their inhibitions which can often lead to sexual slip-ups,” adds Dr Worsley.

“Every autumn Marie Stopes International sees women seeking termination of pregnancies as a result of these holiday liaisons and this is something we are keen to address and prevent.”

The Marie Stopes survey also showed that one out of two women surveyed have used Emergency Contraception before and 63% think it should be more accessible. Over half said they would consider buying Emergency Contraception before they needed to use it.

“Even if you’re not planning a holiday romance, you never know what’s around the corner,” says Dr Worsley, “so if a woman has the Summer Safe Sex Kit in her suitcase she will already be prepared. In the event of an ‘accident’ she can take Emergency Contraception immediately when it is most effective rather than delay and run the risk of an unwanted pregnancy.”

To obtain a Summer Safe Sex Kit women can call Marie Stopes One Call on 0845 300 8090 to locate their nearest centre.

CONTACT: CAROLINE ELLIOTT – 0207 034 2307, caroline.elliott@mariestopes.org.uk

To mark Valentine’s Day this year Marie Stopes International (MSI) are offering men a special Valentine card to give to their partner bearing the message “I promise to book myself a Valentine vasectomy”. The card also contains a voucher offering men a £45 discount if they make a vasectomy booking at an MSI centre before June 1 2007.

As an added incentive if they book before May 1 clients will also be entered into a prize draw to win £100 towards a romantic dinner for two at a restaurant of their choice.

“Vasectomy is a quick and simple procedure already chosen by 13% of British men,” says MSI’s Marketing Manager Julie Douglas. “It’s a very effective method of contraception for couples whose families are complete.

“Most women get flowers or chocolates for Valentine’s Day but this year we’re offering men the chance to make the most supreme gesture of all – and pamper their partner with the money they save!

“However, this campaign is also aimed at raising the issue of women’s health,” adds Ms Douglas.

“Many women take responsibility for contraception within a partnership but there are risks involved for women over the age of 35 who continue to use hormonal contraception, like the Pill, particularly if they’re overweight or smokers. Once the family is complete, by agreeing to have a vasectomy a man can show that he truly cares for his partner’s welfare – and without the worry of unplanned pregnancy it can also improve their sex life!”

Men who would like to make a booking can ring 0845 300 0212 or to find out more about vasectomy log on to www.vasectomy.org.uk

Contact: Tony Kerridge

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7034 2365 / 07989 565 480

Leading UK reproductive health provider Marie Stopes International (MSI) has recorded its busiest ever month for abortion services in its 32 year history. The agency provided abortion services to nearly 6,000 clients at its nine UK centres in January, 2007 – an increase of 13% on January 2006.

One fifth of MSI’s clients chose medical abortion as their treatment of choice.

“It’s too soon to say whether the figures we have recorded will be reflected across the country in official national statistics to be published later this year,” said Liz Davies, MSI Director of UK Operations.

“It does seem, however, that we may be seeing the consequences of the festive season, when partying excess and alcohol consumption combine to increase libido and lower inhibition, with the inevitable consequences of unprotected sex resulting in unplanned pregnancies.”

Anticipating this annual trend, in the run up to Christmas 2006, Marie Stopes International encouraged women to obtain Emergency Contraception in advance of the party season. MSI’s party purse, comprising one pack of Emergency Contraception (Levonelle 1500), two condoms and a Christmas sexual health guide, was available at MSI’s nine UK centres.

“Despite our efforts we have still seen the biggest rise ever in abortion figures in the month after Christmas,” added Liz Davies.

“It’s obvious that one agency working in this field with limited resources can never have a significant impact on abortion figures. There is a clear case for an annual government-funded national education campaign to alert women and men to the importance of preventing unwanted pregnancies and STIs including HIV/AIDS.”

“On its part, Marie Stopes International will continue to do whatever it can to ensure that every woman attending its centres for abortion services leaves committed to using an effective method of contraception.”.

Contact: Tony Kerridge

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7034 2365 / 07989 565 480

London: Marie Stopes International (MSI) is offering a special Emergency Contraception Christmas purse so that women can prepare themselves for the party season. The purse, comprising one pack of Emergency Contraception (Levonelle 1500), two condoms and a Christmas sexual health guide, will be available at MSI’s nine UK centres via a new drop-in service for £25.

“We’re not encouraging women to go out and have sex,” says Liz Davies, Marie Stopes International’s Director of UK Operations, “but given that the Christmas and New Year party season is a time when people typically lose their inhibitions we want women to be responsible and prepared in case that situation arises.”

“Every January and February Marie Stopes International sees a sharp rise in the number of termination of pregnancies and this is something we are keen to address,” Ms Davies adds.
“Condoms can help prevent unwanted pregnancies and STIs but even so accidents can still happen. If a woman already has Emergency Contraception she can take it straight away when it is most effective rather than delay and risk the chance of an unwanted pregnancy.”

To locate their nearest centre and find out more about the drop-in service women can ring Marie Stopes One Call on 0845 300 8090.

Contact: Tony Kerridge
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7034 2365 / 07989 565 480

The Gardasil vaccine targets four strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16 and HPV-18. HPV-16 and HPV-18 (‘high risk’ types) account for about 70% of all cervical cancers, and HPV-6 and HPV-11 (‘low risk’ types) account for about 90% of genital warts. MSI are offering the vaccine, which is administered in three stages, to young women aged between 13 – 26 and men aged between 13-15.

“This is a great advance in the prevention of cervical cancer,” said Liz Davies, MSI’s Director of UK Operations, “but we must be aware that the vaccine is not a cure-all and will only protect against certain types of diseases caused by HPV.”

“It’s still very important that women continue to have routine cervical screening tests and that couples continue to use condoms to prevent cross-infection from the HPV virus.”

Women who wish to book an appointment at Marie Stopes Central London centre can ring 0845 300 0460 or to find out more about the cervical cancer vaccine log on to www.mariestopes.org.uk.

Contact: Tony Kerridge
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7034 2365 / 07989 565 480

Women in some parts of England are still being denied access to the most effective cervical smear testing technology due to unacceptable delays in funding, according to leading sexual and reproductive health agency Marie Stopes International (MSI).

MSI today launches its new national Smear Campaign which seeks to increase NHS availability of smear testing using the latest liquid based cytology technique, in accordance with recommendations made by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) as long ago as October, 2003.

Liquid based cytology was first introduced into the UK in March 1999, being pioneered for private fee paying clients at MSI centres in England. Smear testing using liquid based cytology involves suspending sampled cells in a vial of fluid rather than the conventional method of smearing them directly on to a glass slide. These preserved cells are then separated out from the suspension and deposited onto a glass slide.

Multiple trials, including large scale NHS pilot studies, have proven that smear tests using liquid based cytology produce clearer, cleaner samples that are easier to interpret by laboratory technicians. The pilot studies concluded that smear tests using liquid based cytology would reduce the incidence of inadequate samples that require repeat screenings by up to 80%.

The studies also found that whilst there would be cost implications involved in introducing this technology, laboratories would be able to process more slides more quickly and the need for far fewer repeat tests would make liquid based cytology a cost effective solution to conventional pap smears.

Following a pilot study of its own, the Scottish Healthcare System committed to the implementation of liquid based cytology in 2001. Full implementation in Scotland was achieved by 2004.

In 2003, NICE recommended that liquid based cytology should be universally adopted by the NHS across England and Wales within five years. £7.6 million was allocated to the Strategic Health Authorities to implement the new technology. Yet, as of October 2006, with two thirds of the recommended period for introducing the NICE guidance now elapsed, only two out of the 11 Strategic Health Authorities in England & Wales have completed the conversion to liquid based cytology. Some parts of the country, including Essex, Bedfordshire, Staffordshire, Hertfordshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire, have barely started the conversion process, whilst others are close to full compliance.

"Yet again, the women of this country are facing the NHS postcode lottery syndrome," said Dr Kate Worsley, Head of Medical Development MSI.

"It depends entirely on where you live as to whether or not you benefit from the advantages that liquid based cytology can offer. The need for repeat smears caused by inadequate sampling can largely be avoided using this technology."

"The irony is that delaying implementation is really a false economy. As the NICE report clearly showed, in the longer term liquid based cytology is cost effective, producing a win:win situation for NHS budget holders and women who are part of the national cervical screening programme."

MSI is calling upon women who are involved in the national cervical screening programme (all women aged 25-64) who live in areas where access to liquid based cytology is unavailable or limited, to join its Smear Campaign.

The National Cervical Screening Programme has been proven to make an indispensable contribution to the health and well being of women all over the UK. It is estimated that the programme is directly responsible for cutting the annual death rate from cervical cancer by half.

MSI claims, however, that now improved technology exists that will make smear testing even more efficient, accurate and reliable, health providers should make it available across the entire screening programme.

"Our first big task is to create greater awareness among women themselves," admits Dr Worsley.

A recent independent national survey carried out for MSI by Ipsos UK showed that 93% of female respondents had not heard of liquid based cytology. Once informed of liquid based cytology, of those who expressed a preference, 84% stated they would prefer to have their next smear test undertaken using this new technique.

"If more women were aware of liquid based cytology and its benefits, we are confident that there would be more calls for it to be universally available under the national screening programme,” added Dr Worsley.

“Our hope is that the Smear Campaign will hasten the introduction of liquid based cytology in those health authorities and PCTs that do not currently offer this technology."

Women interested in finding out more about the Smear Campaign can download materials to assist them to advocate with their MP and local health authorities at www.mariestopes.org.uk or can telephone 0207 574 7358 for a printed information pack.

Contact: Tony Kerridge

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7034 2365 / 07989 565 480

Come for good causes!
Europe’s first sponsored Masturbate-a-thon event in London

On Saturday 5th August Europe’s very first Masturbate-a-thon event will take place in London. Participants ask friends and loved ones to sponsor them for a certain amount of money for every minute they masturbate during the Masturbate-A-Thon, or simply for having the courage to turn up and take part!

In aid of global sexual and reproductive health agency Marie Stopes International, and sponsored by ID Lubricants (UK), the leading UK brand of personal lubricants, the event also aims to act as a public education device to increase the use of self pleasure as a strategy for safer sex. The Masturbate-a-thon seeks to raise awareness of, and dispel the shame and taboos that persist around, this most commonplace, natural and safe form of sexual activity.

Drop Studios in Clerkenwell Road, London will be transformed into a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for participants, with soft lighting, softer furnishings, relaxing music and dedicated areas to suit all tastes, from solo booths, to men only and women only spaces, and a mixed sex area for the truly adventurous.

“As a global family planning agency, at its core Marie Stopes International is concerned with promoting the individual's right to enjoy sex safely and, should they choose, without the risk of conception,” said Marie Stopes International’s Tony Kerridge.

“In our work all over the world, every day we see the consequences of fertile orgasms, in the form of unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. So it is absolutely right that we associate ourselves with this initiative to promote this risk and consequence free method of sexual expression.”

ID Lubricants (UK) were asked to sponsor the event and Jane Bowles of ID highlights: “We were delighted to ‘come’ on board. The use of personal lubricants such as ID is perfect as part of safer sex and masturbation. With lubricant specifically developed for male masturbation and a variety of options available for male and/or female masturbation, people are sure to have sensationally smooth satisfaction. Lots of samples will be available at the event as well as educational literature and guides. So have some fun!”

The Masturbate-A-Thon is the brainchild to two American sexologists, Dr Carol Queen and Dr Robert Lawrence, and has run in the US for the past six years raising over $25,000 for women’s health initiatives and HIV prevention, education and treatment organisations. This event will also benefit HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust.

People of both genders and sexual orientations masturbate... and most will be represented at the Masturbate-a-thon! This means that if you are not comfortable in a space with people who may be different from you, this is not an appropriate event for you. All participants must be 18 or over.

If you would like to register to take part in the event, or to obtain further information and sponsor forms visit www.masturbate-a-thon.co.uk or tel: 0207 017 8764 ext: 318

So don’t be shy! You can come for good causes!

Contact: Tony Kerridge

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7034 2365 / 07989 565 480

Leading UK family planning specialist Marie Stopes International is running an innovative vasectomy advertising campaign throughout the World Cup tournament. Football-themed posters encouraging men to seek information about vasectomies will be placed above urinals in men's toilets, on tip seats in taxis and in pubs and bars around the country.

Each poster features a special vasectomy call number and an SMS address giving interested parties the option to ring or text for an information pack.

The campaign is aimed primarily at men who are in stable relationships and have completed their families.

"By placing these advertisements in men's loos we're hoping guys will consider the matter when they, quite literally, have the matter in hand," said Julie Douglas, Marie Stopes International's Marketing Manager.

"In addition we hope that posters in non-football zones, such as in taxis, will also encourage women to broach the subject of more permanent contraception with their partners. Many women who have gone through the process of having children and then have had to continue using hormonal methods of contraception, like the Pill, would like to see their partners to take responsibility for contraception."

Vasectomy is one of the most reliable methods of contraception available with only about a one in 2,000 failure rate. Since it was founded in 1976, Marie Stopes International has performed over 120,000 procedures.

Contrary to popular myth vasectomy does not affect a man's libido: in fact men who have had a vasectomy do report that sex improves without the worry of an unplanned pregnancy.

It's also a relatively minor procedure, usually performed under a local anaesthetic in just a few minutes and most men report only a little discomfort during and after the procedure.

"It was a little bit uncomfortable – but it's not like being booted in the groin with a football or anything like that. It's more like going to the dentist!" a Marie Stopes International client stated recently.

People wishing to obtain a vasectomy information pack can call:
0845 300 0652 or text ‘VAS’ + name + address to *83984

(*standard mobile rates apply)

Contact: Tony Kerridge

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7034 2365 / 07989 565 480

The Secretary of State for International Development, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn, MP was in his Leeds constituency today (Friday, 9 June, 2006), as Guest of Honour at the official opening of sexual and reproductive health agency Marie Stopes International’s new centre.

Marie Stopes International opened its first centre in Leeds in 1980. The relocation to significantly larger premises on Barrack Road should enable the organisation to increase substantially its caseload of private and NHS referred clients, and to offer a wider range of choices for women in the region seeking abortion services.

The Leeds centre will initially offer surgical abortions up to 13 weeks gestation under local anaesthetic and conscious sedation, and medical abortion (the abortion pill) up to nine weeks, but is seeking a licence to offer surgical procedures up to 17 weeks under general anaesthetic.

“We are committed to offering even more women living in Leeds and elsewhere in this region speedy access to the most modern, responsive, caring and non-judgemental abortion service available,” said Centre Manager Caroline Lewis-Jones.

In addition to termination of pregnancy, the Leeds centre will also offer a wide range of other reproductive health services including vasectomy, family planning, emergency contraception and health screening.

Speaking at the official opening, Mr Benn, who heads the UK Department for International Development (DFID) said:

“DFID strongly supports Marie Stopes International’s efforts to help couples in the developing world choose how many children they have and protect and improve their sexual health. This work in 38 countries is helping much needed development.”

Caroline Lewis-Jones added:

“We are delighted to welcome Mr Benn here today to show him the work that we also do in the domestic context, which is vital to the success of our international activities.

“As a non profit making agency, a substantial proportion of the surplus funds generated through our clinical activities in the UK are donated to support our overseas programmes. Every client who attends the Marie Stopes centre in Leeds will therefore be helping to promote health and save lives in countries where pregnancy and childbirth are still major causes of death and disability among the female populations.”

Clients can book an appointment at the Marie Stopes International Leeds centre by telephoning 0845 300 8090 or by logging on to www.mariestopes.org.uk.

Contact: Tony Kerridge

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7034 2365 / 07989 565 480

Marie Stopes International warns: A change in current guidelines will place the most vulnerable girls at greater physical and emotional risk

A new research study, published today by Marie Stopes International, strongly endorses existing Department of Health guidelines guaranteeing confidential abortion services to under 16s. The guidelines are currently the subject of a judicial review process initiated by Sue Axon, the mother of two teenage daughters, who wants health professionals to be compelled to inform the parents of under 16s seeking abortion. A decision by Mr Justice Silbert in the High Court is expected shortly.

Marie Stopes International surveyed over 100 girls under the age of 16 attending for termination of pregnancy services at eight centres across England. Key findings include:

• Over seven out of 10 respondents (71%) had informed their mother and/or father of their intention to seek abortion. A further eight percent had told another parental figure, such as their boyfriend's mother or an aunt
• Almost one quarter (23%) had told a teacher or school nurse
• Only one respondent reported telling no one other than health professionals
• Over nine out of 10 respondents (94%) were accompanied to the centre on the day they completed the questionnaire
• Respondents who did not inform their parents reported a variety of reasons: The most common reason cited for not telling a mother was that they did not want to disappoint her. Frequently cited reasons for not telling fathers were being afraid of an angry reaction, that they did not live with him; and not wishing to disappoint him
• Almost seven out of 10 respondents (68%) did not support a change in the guidelines that would remove their right to confidential services.

"Clearly, for most girls, the question of confidentiality is not an issue because they readily confide in one or both of their parents," said Liz Davies, Director of UK Operations for Marie Stopes International. "The guidelines are not in place for those who have enough certainty in their relationship with their parents to take them into their confidence. They exist to protect the minority who, for whatever reason - real or imagined - do not feel such certainty.

"In common with most other health professionals experienced in working with under 16s, Marie Stopes International feels that any alteration in the current guidelines would increase the hardship and emotional stress faced by vulnerable girls with unintended pregnancies and could deter them from seeking support and assistance from health providers, for fear that their confidence might be betrayed.

"In extreme circumstances, this could lead to concealed pregnancies and even attempts to self abort, both of which could have severe physical and psychological consequences for the girls concerned. A rise in later terminations and STIs would also inevitably result as young people will simply not seek advice and services if they fear that their confidentiality will be compromised."

The survey also showed that where under 16s did inform a parent, most received a positive reaction, both to the news of the pregnancy (with 51% of mothers being cited as being 'supportive') and to the decision to terminate (with 83% of mothers supporting this choice).

"Our hope is that more girls who find themselves in this situation and are unsure about telling their parents will be reassured by this finding," added Ms Davies.

"It's really no surprise to find that parents, by and large, will react with love, compassion and support for their children in such circumstances. But sadly, there are always exceptions - and it is precisely to protect those who do not have a trusting and supportive relationship with their parents that these guidelines are in place.

“This research shows that what is needed is not a change in the guidance covering confidentiality, but rather increased efforts to provide teachers, school nurses and health staff providing adolescent services with the knowledge and skills to appropriately manage and support any under 16 year old who, for whatever reason, cannot confide in a parent.

“It would be a complete betrayal of the most vulnerable young people in our society to change the existing guidance, so we are confident that the judicial review will conclude that the current guidelines should remain as they are."

Contact: Tony Kerridge

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7034 2365 / 07989 565 480

Following today’s judicial review decision by Mr Justice Silbert rejecting attempts to compel healthcare providers to inform parents of girls under the age of 16 seeking abortion or other sexual health services, the UK’s largest abortion provider Marie Stopes International issued the following statement:

“Marie Stopes International welcomes today’s decision to leave current DOH guidelines unchanged, as the principle of confidentiality goes to the very root of the relationship between health care providers and the individuals they serve, especially in the field of sexual and reproductive health.

“Without this guarantee of confidentiality, vulnerable girls would be placed at even greater risk, as some would be deterred from seeking professional help and advice to the possible detriment of both their physical and mental health.

“If the guidance was changed we would undoubtedly see a rise in births to under 16s and later abortions, as girls who felt that their confidentiality would be compromised might delay coming forward until it was far too late. In worst case scenarios, we might see tragic instances of self harm as desperate girls attempted DIY abortions.

“It is clearly desirable for under 16s to have the support of a parent when seeking abortion services, and agencies like Marie Stopes International make every effort to persuade them to do so. But for a small minority, confiding in a parent is simply not an option, so it is absolutely fundamental that girls in this situation know that they can approach health care professionals with full confidence that their wishes will be respected.

“A survey of over 100 under 16s presenting for abortion services carried out by Marie Stopes International in 2005 (‘Abortion & young women: issues of confidentiality’) found that the vast majority of respondents (71%) had informed a parent, and a further eight per cent had confided in another parental figure, such as an aunt or their boyfriend’s mother.

“The guidelines are not in place to protect those who have enough certainty in their relationships with parents to take them into their confidence. They exist to protect those who, for whatever reason, do not feel such certainty – and it is absolutely the right decision to ensure that protection remains in force.”

Quotes attributable to: Liz Davies, Director of UK Operations for Marie Stopes International

Contact: Tony Kerridge

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7034 2365 / 07989 565 480