A LEADING sexual health group has called for funds to be diverted from the federal government's $43 billion broadband network scheme to emergency contraception education.
Marie Slopes International (MSI) said new research suggesting young people did not know what emergency contraception - also known as the morning-after pill - was or how it worked highlighted the need for public education. The recently-published survey of 460 far north Queensland tertiary students found just 20% knew the timeframe in which to use emergency contraception, with 42% believing it was only effective for 24 hours. In addition, 40% did not know the morning-after pill could be bought over the counter from a pharmacy and 20% were unaware of its existence altogether.
MSI general manager of operations Jill Michelson said as Australia had one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the developed world, the lack of knowledge about emergency contraception needed to be addressed urgently. "Unplanned pregnancy is a key health issue for over 50% of Australian women," Ms Michelson said. "The government should direct some of its broadband funds into investing in education and improving contraceptive options. "Our youth would benefit more in the long run from thorough sex education than they would high speed broadband."
