First IPPF youth consultation recommends change
IPPF open file 1993: 1
1993
PMID: 12318524 Document Number: 249143
A youth representative from each of the 6 IPPF regions met in London at the end of September 1993 to discuss youth programs in the IPPF and give their recommendations to the IPPF International Program Advisory Panel (IPAP) after 2 days of discussion. The IPPF and its management of youth services were criticized in this consultation convened to identify and discuss issues and problems confronting young people, and to recommend how these issues may be addressed by IPPF and its member family planning associations (FPA). No framework exists within the IPPF system to provide young people with the necessary autonomy or authority to create and run programs. The consultation felt that creating a youth panel to complement the other 3 IPPF international advisory panels would help redress this oversight; participants also talked about having permanent youth representatives within FPAs. Working groups defined issues which would define the basis for an IPPF Program on the Sexual and Reproductive Health of Young People, with the consultation generally declaring that the following rights of choice must be exercised in future youth programs: the right to choose whether or not to be sexually active; the right to contraceptive and abortion services; the right to free sexual expression; the right to information; and the right to exercise choices, regardless of economic or political power. The consultation further realized there would be opposition to programs and campaigns dealing with young people's sexuality and felt that public information campaigns, sensitive use of relevant data, and involving parents, religious institutions, and politicians who would tend to object to such programs would garner a less reactionary response. A need exists to network with other organizations and groups in future programs. It should also be understood that health professionals, women's groups, student unions, and politicians may contribute to youth programs, that services should be independent and accessible to youth, that the confidentiality of young clients must always be maintained. Youths need information which is readily understood. Further, it was recommended that an International Youth Panel be established. Consultation recommendations will be presented to the IPPF Central Council in November.