The charity LIFE is saddened by the conclusion of a study commissioned by Schering, the contraceptive manufacturer, which calls for the promotion of long-acting reversible methods of contraception in order to reduce the ‘unnecessarily high’ abortion rate among those in long-term relationships.
LIFE spokeswoman Michaela Aston said: "It is sad that Schering suggests such an inadequate solution to high levels of abortion in long-term relationships. We are not surprised that a contraceptive company is calling for increased sales of contraception but this knee-jerk reaction does not get to the heart of the matter. A more humane response would be to find out why couples in long term, presumably committed, relationships feel unable to welcome their child into the world especially at a time when so many couples are struggling with infertility.
Out of the thousands of women LIFE counsels, contraceptive failure is only one, of many, reasons given for why they consider abortion. The majority of women say that they would have their baby if they felt they were being supported. In long-term relationships it is often the lack of financial or practical support which makes couples less receptive to a child. However, if help is provided, like that offered by LIFE, then the initial shock can give way to the joy of preparing for a new son or daughter.
Everyone would like to see fewer abortions taking place and prevention is important. However, we must be cautious about this research which is interesting because of who commissioned it rather than what it tells us about crisis pregnancy."
Press Release - 7 February 2007