Ministers must look at why message on safe sex isn't getting across

3.46.20pm GMT Tue 24th Nov 2009

Commenting on the publication of the latest sexual health information for Scotland, Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP said:

“Ministers and health professionals must look at why the message on safe sex still isn’t getting across to our young people. Being open and honest about the risks of unprotected sex is vital if we are to reduce the number of infections.

“It is also clear that the link between deprivation and teenage pregnancy and abortion rates remains strong.

"Young women in our deprived areas are eight times as likely to become pregnant and twice as likely to have an abortion as those from more affluent areas.

“Sexual education must focus on girls in our most disadvantaged areas. They should know that abortion is not an alternative to contraception.”