Contraceptive problems in the developed world

In most developed countries contraception is available and relatively cheap. In Britain 50% of women use reversible contraception and over the age of 35 more than 50% of women (or their partners) have been sterilised. Nevertheless large numbers of unplanned pregnancies still occur in all countries. Annual abortion rates (per 1000 women aged 15-44) are 5.6 in the Netherlands, 13 in Britain and 28 in the USA. In Britain about 50% of all conceptions are unplanned. Ambivalent attitudes to sex mean that there is inadequate public discussion about contraception. The media publicise adverse effects of oral contraceptives more than their benefits. Advertising of condoms is restricted, and the marketing of oral contraceptives to doctors emphasizes their side-effects. Contraception should be made more accessible to potential users, particularly the young, who are at greatest risk of unwanted pregnancy. Opinion among teenagers and their parents is in favour of more sex education at school. Efforts should be directed towards providing young people with better education on sex and contraception.