Irish sex education in crisis; 66% given no contraception advice

By DECLAN FERRY

ONLY one in three people were taught about contraception as children, a sex study revealed yesterday.

The research also found if parents take time to talk to their children about sex there is a greater chance they will delay losing theirvirginity - and will also practise safe sex.

The Irish Study of Sexual Health and Relationships - commissioned by the Crisis Pregnancy Agency (CPA) and the Department of Health - is the first major report of its kind in Ireland.

CPA chairwoman Olive Braiden said: "The findings of this report will inform the strategic direction of the CPA's work in reducing the number of crisis pregnancies."

She also demanded an urgent response and her views were echoed by Irish Family Planning Association chief Niall Behan.

He said: "Those who have resisted debate and action on sexual health policy no longer have an excuse.

"The facts have been laid bare, and show the Irish have sexual health needs similar to those of our EU neighbours."

The study also found 90 per cent of the population supports sex education for children - even though 66 per cent were not taught about contraception.

Those surveyed believe kids should be taught about sexual intercourse, sexual feelings, contraception, safer sex and homosexuality.

Around 53 per cent of men and 60 per cent of women received some sex education - the most common topics being biological information onintercourse.

Sexual feelings, relationships and emotion were the subjects leastlikely to be covered.

Sex education levels were highest in the 18 to 24 age group with 88 per cent of men and 93 per cent of women getting guidance - and lowest in the 55 to 64 age group.

The study showed 12 per cent of women had sex before the age of 17- and 70 per cent of this group were more likely to have a crisis pregnancy and three times more likely to experience an abortion. Men and women who have sex before 17 are three times more likely to pick upa sexually transmitted infection.

Ms Braiden added: "Research shows the best way to prevent sex before 17, teen pregnancies and STIs, is to encourage teenagers to delay their first sexual experience.

"Accurate information about fertility and contraception will help them to make responsible decisions."

The report said 90 per cent of those in the 18 to 24 age group used some form of contraception during their last sexual intercourse.

But for those who did not use it - 10 per cent - the study found different reasons - "alcohol/drugs", "no contraception available" and "sex not planned".

And the study found 15 per cent did not "think to use it".

Almost half the country support the sale of the morning after pillover the counter.

But Health Minister Mary Harney said it should only be used in an emergency and that it would be up to the Irish Medicines Board to decide on the issue.

She added: "I don't think any medic would favour somebody using emergency contraception as a form of ongoing contraception. I think that would be dangerous."

'The best way to prevent STIs is to encourage delay on first sex'

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