A FAMILY planning agency in Blackburn has spoken out against a government review which could lead to a charge for contraception.

Sheila Shaw is manager of the Brook Advisory Centre in Darwen Street which helps and advises women on contraception and works closely with young people.

Sheila said: "Brook is clearly not in favour of charging for contraception because of the implications which would arise. There would be an increase in unwanted pregnancies, abortion and the health risks that go with it.

"Contraception is very cost-effective, compared to the cost involved when taking a woman through pregnancy. The cost of ante-natal care, maternity care, post-natal care, together with the cost of the child's education and social welfare, by far outweighs the cost of contraception.

"For women themselves, contraception saves a lot of pain and heartache."

She added: "Families on small incomes are already under a lot of stress and pressure to prevent having more children, and if they had to pay for contraception, the situation would only become more problematic.

"Women carry the main responsibility of choosing and using contraception, even though the benefit is shared by men, and so the responsibility of paying for contraception would most likely fall unfairly on women."

The Brook Advisory Centre is negotiating with the Department of Health in its campaign for free contraception.

Darwen MP Janet Anderson commented: "The government are currently undergoing a complete spending review, and as yet there is no such proposal for charging for contraception."

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