ARHP launches national campaign to prevent unintended pregnancy
Pereira, A.
Health and Sexuality 3(1): 1-13
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 1054-2957 PMID: 12285654 Document Number: 321030
The Association of Reproductive Health Professional (ARHP) sponsored a National Conference on Unintended Pregnancy in April 1992 to plan a Campaign for 1993. Ideas had been solicited in 1991 and early 1992. Foundation, the pharmaceutical industry, and government agency representatives attended. Presentations were given and are summarized in this article on the nature and extent of the problem, the role of medicine and politics and the media in unwanted pregnancy, the effect of religion on sexual behavior, sexuality education, new contraceptive technology, and communications and resources. A representative of the Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI) noted among other things the 53% of unintended pregnancies occur to 10% of women not using contraception and 82% of teenage pregnancy is unintended. There is a worsening climate for dealing with reproductive issues. There is less money for family planning (FP) and clinics. Sexual responsibility is different for men versus women. The tag of being good also needs to be identified with women who choose sexual responsibility and avoid unintended pregnancy. Human sexuality needs to be taught at the earliest of ages and more time needs to be spent on providing young people with the tools to properly use the information given. There is insufficient access to medical services and information. Messages need to be targeted better to specific audiences. Many health professionals are uninvolved in the political problems. The concern about overturning Roe v. Wade and the Gag Rule has helped to activate health professionals. Physicians need to promote positive images of women and their bodily functions. Education of the medical and health professions is a top priority. Supportive services for the new mother and income loss are disincentives for childbearing. The media have not portrayed a positive female image. Sex sells. Religion can play a positive role in portraying responsible sexual behavior, supporting contraceptive research, encouraging the government to be more supportive of women and children, and providing greater participation in family planning efforts. A systematic critique of patriarchy within the Church is needed in order to be consistent with teaching about human sexuality. Sin and guilt are powerful words. More and better contraceptives are needed and new products promoted. The level of awareness of the problem should not be confused with commercial advertising. The message is it is possible to have every child a wanted one.