Brussels, March 24 2015
A new ‘Barometer’ report launched by IPPF EN on 24 March analyses how easily women in 16 EU countries can access modern contraceptives. The EU countries covered by the report are: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, and Sweden. Information on participating national partners can be found in the report. BFPA is the Bulgarian partner. The Barometer reveals that overall the situation in most countries has stagnated or worsened in recent years. IPPF EN calls on decision-makers at all levels to implement a comprehensive approach to contraceptive choice in Europe as a crucial precondition to ensuring the wellbeing of women and adolescent girls.
The report’s findings are based on information about the national policy landscapes provided by national experts in each of the 16 countries, using a series of policy benchmarks that are key to ensuring access to modern contraceptives. The information was collected, analysed and reviewed between May and November 2014. The Barometer highlights that women’s access to modern contraceptives varies significantly from one EU country to the next. Encouraging developments include some limited examples of improved sexuality education policies, more generous reimbursement schemes for contraceptives in France and improved medical guidelines on contraceptive service delivery in Poland and Sweden. But overall, these are overshadowed by growing obstacles to women getting the contraception they need. Access in countries such as The Netherlands that have a relatively strong track record is under threat from austerity measures and financial constraints. Meanwhile, in several countries where access is already more problematic, political and economic instability and lack of funding have prevented progress.
Besides the European Parliament, the report is endorsed by the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESC) and International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH).
Bulgaria stands in 10th position out of 16 in the overall picture, with 30,2% of overall country score – lower, comparing to the 2013 Barometer edition (32,8%). Some of the major findings (mainly concerning the period 2013-2014): Unstable political and economical situation, still not adopted SRH strategy, still health and sexuality education is not part of the school curriculum, access to contraceptives not reimbursed form the health insurance fund, and not provided for vulnerable and marginalized groups and youth. Main positive steps and innovations are going on with the initiative of NGOs, international organizations and civil society
Link to Barometer report: http://www.ippfen.org/resources/barometer-2015-womens-access-modern-contraceptive-choice
