THE island’s three-a-week abortion rate fell last year and now the morning-after pill is more-readily available than ever.
The Guernsey Family Planning Service, above Pound World Plus in the Pollet, has increased its opening to 23 hours a week.
The changes followed consultation that showed patients wanted easier access to the clinic. Manager Sue Le Page said the changes had already made a huge difference.
‘We can now offer more choice to patients and waiting times are now less than they have been.’ e said in the last year, 2,500 clients attended the clinic.
‘The fact that the service is now open on a Saturday and on Monday mornings means the morning-after pill has been made more readily available.’
Guernsey saw a reduction in unwanted pregnancies last year, with a decline in overall abortions in 2007.
The figures have not yet been published but are expected to show a fall from 2006’s 162 terminations, all but 12 of which were performed on-island.
‘This could be down to the fact woman do have more options and people are being more responsible,’ said Mrs Le Page.
‘The education in schools is also very good and that does help.’
In the 14th annual MoH report, Mrs Le Page said adolescent contraception rates had remained relatively stable over the past eight years.
The rate of abortions in Guernsey was less than half that of the UK.
Mrs Le Page said that adolescent mothers generally had more difficulty in coping.
‘They suffer more social and health problems, while their offspring suffer more ill health.’
The service also offers sexual health screening for both sexes.
Article posted on 6th September, 2008 - 9.29am
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