FSRH President provides evidence to APPG SRH inquiry into access to contraception

The second oral evidence session of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sexual and Reproductive Health’s (APPG SRH) inquiry into access to contraception took place in Parliament yesterday. FSRH President Dr Asha Kasliwal spoke about cuts to contraception, service delivery and workforce challenges.

Around 8 million women of reproductive age are now living in an area with reduced budgets for contraceptive services. Dr Asha Kasliwal shared this figure with MPs and other witnesses, highlighting that access to long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), the most effective methods of contraception, has also decreased by 8% according to Public Health England figures. Dr Asha Kasliwal provided the panel with a staggering example of a patient from her area who took eight months to be able to access LARC.

Dr Asha Kasliwal reminded MPs and other witnesses that women have various reproductive health needs across the lifecourse, and contraception is an integral part of women’s health. Services must reflect the need to deliver holistic reproductive health care.

Training was another topic addressed along with the SRH consultant workforce crisis. Dr Asha Kasliwal addressed the need for SRH consultants to oversee the delivery of care by a diverse, multidisciplinary workforce.

The APPG SRH already heard from witnesses at the first oral evidence session last week. The third and final session will happen tomorrow 22 May.

Find out more about the APPG SRH inquiry here.