Contraception
Socialist Republic1980Women's liberationNo public scan is online for this item; the text below was read from a privately held copy.
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The Family Planning (Health) Act (1978) which was made law in August of last year, is finally going to be implemented on November 1st. Just as a reminder, the new law will make it harder to get contraception and advice. For condoms cream, etc., you will needa doctor's prescription. This will cost money and so will the chemist's fee. Medical card users will not be able to obtain contraceptives free under the new law.
There are no plans to set up clinics in locat health centres, nor are there plans for sex education in schools, or for the training of doctors, nurses or social workers in family planning.
lf-the clinics are to go along with the Act, they will no longer be able to provide a service to single people. (A major Dublin F.P.C, said thet over 50% of the clients were single and under 25), This illustrates that youth are going to § be particularly affected by this law. CAP members feel that the whole | area of youth and the needs of youth | in terms of their sexuality have been totally ignored, Because of this they are holding a 2 day conference on September 20/21st on "Youth & Contraception", taking in such areas as 'youth as workers!, !youth in 2nd & 3rd level education!, 'Family life/age of consent!, 'sexism and youth!, ‘birth control and your body! and you!, The clinics will no longer be able to sell non—medical contraceptives, will not be able to advertise, which is a crucial factor, as many people