The Barometer of Women’s Access to Modern Contraceptive Choice developed by International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network (IPPF EN) provides a policy and status overview on women’s access to modern contraceptive choice across ten EU member states (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden). This report reveals inequalities in access to contraceptive choice in those countries and calls for coherent policies on sexual and reproductive health and rights. It also highlights large gaps in the national policies analyzed and urges policy makers to ensure that a comprehensive SRHR policy framework is established. Additionally the report found that there is an insufficient level of awareness and education around all modern contraceptive methods, with only 50% of the countries surveyed making sexuality education mandatory in schools.
KatarÃna NeveÄalová, MEP, who chaired the launch event in the European Parliament, commented: “Despite efforts by the European Union to support research on sexual and reproductive health and rights in the past, there is much more to be done in giving this issue the attention it deserves. The EU has a pivotal role to play in promoting coherent national policies on sexual and reproductive health and rights that address inequalities in access to modern contraception in EU member states, and it is time to bring this debate to the forefront.â€
