Family Planning says New Zealand's high rate of teen pregnancies, unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted disease shows the Government needs to act urgently.
Family Planning and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists are calling on the Government to implement urgently a recommendation by Parliament's health select committee for a national strategy on sexual and reproductive health.
Family planning chief executive Jackie Edmond said a call by a parliamentary committee last year for a national strategy on sexual and reproductive health was welcome, and the Government's lukewarm response is disappointing.
She said many women, particularly those on low incomes and Maori, are missing out on timely and affordable services.
Ms Edmond said having a national plan to prevent unplanned pregnancies and boost sexual health services would be incredibly cost-effective in the long term.
