A campaign to raise awareness of contraception and the risks of unprotected sex was launched in Dublin today.
The second World Contraception Day, which takes place tomorrow, aims to promote education and awareness raising about contraceptive use, particularly among 18- to 25- year olds.
It is supported by family planning organisations, including the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) and the Dublin Well Woman Centre, as well as the European Society of Contraception.
Medical director of the Dublin Well Woman Centre, Dr Shirley McQuade, said young Irish people are unaware of the impact of unplanned pregnancies.
“We are regularly seeing cases of young men and women who have either been misinformed or uneducated on the contraception options available to them.
“While women may be more inclined to discuss the topic with their sexual partner, it is evident that for many, no method is used at all. If you’re sexually active, modern contraception is the most effective method of preventing unintended pregnancy.”
Dr McQuaid said the “harsh reality” was that unplanned pregnancy has a severe financial impact on new parents as well as a “substantial emotional and physical impact”.
“It is vital that our young people be given the education to make informed decisions about such a serious issue.”
A survey carried out in a number of European countries last year for pharmaceutical company Bayer Health Care, which is also sponsoring the campaign, said 56 per cent of Irish people had sex for the first time with a new partner without using contraception.