A cross-party inquiry into unplanned pregnancy has called for the introduction of statutory Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) in schools. The inquiry, which was led by MPs Amber Rudd, Sandra Osborne and Lorely Burt, and supported by the think tank 2020health, calls for a national strategy to tackle unplanned pregnancy. The British Humanist Association (BHA), which has long campaigned for statutory SRE, welcomes the inquiry’s recommendations.
The three main findings were: that a large proportion of unwanted pregnancies are happening because people are not using sufficient contraception; that there is inadequate Sex and Relationship Education in schools; and that there is a lack of access to contraception for over 25s. As well as calling for statutory SRE in schools, the inquiry also recommends equal access to contraception.
Pavan Dhaliwal, BHA Head of Public Affairs, commented ‘All children should be entitled to accurate and age appropriate Sex and Relationships Education, including unbiased information on contraception, STDs, abortion and sexual orientation. SRE can best be improved if it is a statutory and compulsory part of the curriculum in all schools, and above the minimum basics of what is currently required by law. Therefore we welcome the new inquiry’s recommendation that statutory SRE should be introduced in schools, and we urge the government to implement the inquiry’s recommendations.’
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For further comment or information contact Pavan Dhaliwal, Head of Public Affairs at pavan@humanists.uk or on 0773 843 5059.
The Morning After: A cross Party Inquiry into Unplanned Pregnancy The Morning After: A cross Party Inquiry into Unplanned Pregnancy:
http://www.2020health.org/2020
BBC News – MPs call for compulsory relationship education:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-
BHA news article – Anti-abortion group makes unevidenced claims around abortion, contraception and vaccinations:
http://humanists.uk/2012/07
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.