Since 2007, World Contraception Day has been celebrated on September 26th.
Health and Sexual Education are fundamental pillars for a healthy society. This day aims to raise people's awareness of the importance of contraception, contributing to ideal physical, mental and sexual health. Where accessibility to contraceptive methods must be guaranteed and free from discrimination, without any type of taboo!
The Portuguese Contraception Society (SPDC) and the Association for Family Planning (APF), highlight that on World Contraception Day, there are still several challenges facing Sexual and Reproductive Health care, especially access to information about contraception. contraception.
Currently Portugal is among the countries where the use of contraception is highest, but:
- 30% of young people have never had sexual education.
- 15% of teenagers are unaware of emergency pills, as are 20% of women over the age of 40.
- 40% of the population has never attended a Family Planning consultation, with this figure being 90% among teenagers.
- 20% of adolescents did not use a condom during their last sexual encounter, with 16% having sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
The Portuguese Society of Contraception and the Association for Family Planning state that access to sexual health is a fundamental right and that difficulties in accessing contraception do not lead to an increase in birth rates, but rather to the risk of an unwanted pregnancy with all associated physical, psychological and social consequences.
By making informed choices, women have more opportunities to access education and paid work, creating the basis for more active participation in society, promoting gender equality and improving literacy in the family.
Contraception thus contributes to reducing the factors that generate poverty. Therefore, it is considered a priority investment in the well-being of the population by the World Health Organization.
