Issue - meetings

A representative from Education for Choice gave a presentation to Members on sex education and choice in educational settings, with a particular focus upon pregnancy and abortion.  She explained the role of Education for Choice and the kind of work it carries out.  This includes:

•Direct work with young people

•Resources

•Training and consultancy

•Advocacy

Education for Choice (EFC) is currently working with 2 schools in Haringey.  Nationally they work directly with approximately 6000 young people every year and their services are available to all “Inner London” schools.  Currently EFC are working with Southwark and Lewisham.  Both girls and boys tend to prefer to get advice from outside of the regular school staff and delivery by external agencies takes a lot of pressure off teachers.  EFC receive funding from a range of agencies, including the Teenage Pregnancy Unit. 

She discussed the reason why engaging young people on the subject of sexuality and abortion is important.  Many teenagers think about the issue for the first time only when faced with this crisis in their lives. Often this is not a good time to be forced to make critical decisions.  Effective sex education can enable young people to make better choices.  It was pointed out that young people are in any case increasingly discussing the subject in non educational settings, such as on television, in newspapers and magazines, gossip, although these can be a less reliable source of information and allows misguiding myths to prevail.  It is also a part of the National School Curriculum. 

It was asked at what age a teenager has the legal right to have an abortion in the UK.  It is over 16 years of age.  One quarter to one third of women aged under 45 has reported as having had an abortion at some point in their lives. 

Engaging young men on the subject of sexuality and abortion young men about abortion was discussed. In some areas only a tiny proportion of sexual health clinic users are men.

The importance of engaging the local community on the subject of sexuality and abortion young men about abortion was discussed.  Key points were:

•Women of every community have abortions

•Everyone is entitled to information

•Silence is bad for women’s health

The issue of sex and contraception to young people under the age of 16 was discussed.  Doctors can legally prescribe the contraceptive pill to girls under the age of 16.  Sexual intercourse with someone under the age of 13 is classed as statutory rape. 

The issue of confidentiality was discussed.  Confidentiality is the biggest concern that young people have when making decisions about sex and abortion.  Young people may be concerned about disclosure, including to their GP, their parents or their partner. 

Key issues that we need to be aware of are:

•What different religious communities have to say about abortion

•How culture affects people’s attitudes to abortion

•How people’s feelings about abortion impact on their choices

Education  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23