NATIONAL CONDOM WEEK

Early day motion 1207, tabled 14 May 2003 by Paul Marsden (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 28 members.

That this House notes the importance of the sixth National Condom Week from 12th to 18th May to inform young people about the importance of safer sex in helping prevent both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies and praises Durex for organising the event and raising awareness of this issue; wholeheartedly supports the campaign which provides schools, clinics and youth centres with free resource packs to promote the safer sex message in their area; encourages healthcare professionals across the United Kingdom to take up the challenge and organise an event to support the week; regrets that recent Durex research shows almost half of under 16s have had unprotected sex with a new or different partner in the last 12 months; further regret that the United Kingdom still has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in Western Europe and over the last 10 years new episodes of STIs seen as GUM clinics in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have almost doubled; and hopes that through this week awareness of the importance of condoms as the only method of contraception to provide protection from both STIs and unplanned pregnancy is increased and sexual health issues are put at the heart of the public health agenda.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, Liberal Democrat 6, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.