‘Advice lacking’ on contraceptives

Press, 15 July 1980, Page 16

‘Advice lacking’ on contraceptives

PA Auckland Most teen-agers asking for contraceptives had been sexually active for months or even years, according to a speaker at a seminar on adolescent sexual activities, at Auckland University on Saturday. Dr M. Tillot, medical director of the Auckland Family Planning Clinic, said the reason for non-use of contraceptives appeared to be “lack of information or fear.” “Many young people may know. contraception exists, but have difficulty obtaining advice and supplies. This is a major hurdle.” Dr Tillot said they had a fear of meeting disapproving attitudes, and misinformation about dangers

and side effects of contraceptives. There was a considerable need to provide information to help adolescents develop a sense of responsibility in personal relationships and to provide adequate contraceptive education and supply. “Unhappily, in most countries most sources of information on sexual matters are their peers and the mass media. Magazines and advertisements glamorise sexual relationships.” Moral and Christian ideals, she said, were directly contradicted by examples from adults and the mass media. Dr Tillot said many adolescents received no help from their parents, and information • from schools was far too little or too late.