APPG on Sexual and Reproductive Health report - Brook's response

Published: 13 July 2015

Today (13 July 2015) the All Party Parliamentary Group on Sexual and Reproductive Health has published a report, Breaking down the barriers: The need for accountability and integration in sexual health, reproductive health and HIV services in England, examining the impact of the changes to sexual health services and commissioning brought about by the Health and Social Care Act of 2012. 

In response to the report, Brook's Interim Chief Executive Jules Hillier said: 

"It's great that the APPG on Sexual and Reproductive Health's report recognises the importance of education in protecting young people's health and wellbeing, and calls for personal, social, health and economic education to be made statutory, something Brook has long supported, as the evidence is overwhelming. 

"It is really worrying to read that the APPG has been told of restricted access to services, following changes to how sexual health and contraceptive services are commissioned, Providing specialist services to young people is especially important, since inadequate PSHE education leaves too many young people lacking the information and the confidence they need to enjoy their sexuality without harm." 

The full report can be read here (PDF): Breaking down the barriers

For media enquiries please contact Brook's press office on 07789 682831 or email press@brook.org.uk

Notes to editors

Brook believes that young people should have access to great sexual health services and wellbeing support.

Brook provides free and confidential sexual health information, contraception, pregnancy testing, advice and counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and education programmes, reaching nearly 235,000 young people nationwide every year.
 
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