FSRH statement: FSRH welcomes consultation on the Women’s Health Strategy by the Department of Health and Social Care

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is launching a 12-week call for evidence to better understand women’s experiences of the health and care system. We urge DHSC to place contraceptive access and care at the heart of a new Women’s Health strategy.

Dr Asha Kasliwal, President of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), said:

‘The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) welcomes the call for evidence. I am pleased to see a focus on education and information as well as the aim to place women’s voices at the heart of the strategy. I encourage women from all backgrounds to share their experiences of accessing reproductive healthcare.

‘On average, most women spend almost half of their lives either trying to plan or avoid unplanned pregnancies. This is why an integrated approach to women’s health should place contraceptive access and care in all settings at the heart of a new Women’s Health strategy. This will ensure the health and care system is responsive to women’s reproductive healthcare needs across the whole life course. Crucial to achieve this will also be the integration of this strategy with the upcoming national Sexual and Reproductive Health strategy.

‘There is no women’s health without contraceptive care. We look forward to working with the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that the contraceptive needs of 51% of the population are met via a comprehensive strategy.’

ENDS

For further information, please contact: Camila Azevedo, FSRH External Affairs Manager
cazevedo@fsrh.org / 07379408587

Notes to Editors

• Further information from DHSC can be found here

About FSRH

The Faculty of Sexual Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) is the largest UK professional membership organisation working at the heart of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), supporting healthcare professionals to deliver high quality care. It works with its 15,000 members, to shape sexual reproductive health for all. It produces evidence-based clinical guidance, standards, training, qualifications and research into SRH. It also delivers conferences and publishes the journal BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health in partnership with the BMJ.