FPA Launches Wrap Up Safe Campaign

FPA Launches Wrap Up Safe Campaign

The Family Planning Association has launched a nation-wide poster campaign encouraging New Zealanders to consider safer sex options.

Two posters have been developed – one to encourage condom use and the other to raise awareness of the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) – previously known as the Morning After Pill.

The Winter Wrap poster shows a mannequin wearing a scarf crafted from condom wrappers. It carries the tagline “Wrap up this winter.” The ECP poster, written in mobile phone text speak, spells out that women have 72 hours after unprotected sex to take the ECP to prevent an unplanned pregnancy – although the sooner it is taken the better.

FPA Executive Director, Dr Gill Greer says FPA has taken a two-pronged approach in this campaign.

“We share the concern of New Zealanders at the increase in the number of unplanned pregnancies last year and know that education, information and access to services are part of reducing these statistics – as well as the longer term issues of disadvantage and disparity.

“The two posters have been designed to encourage safer sex and in doing so reduce the increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies and abortions. The ECP message is about raising awareness that there are options available to women who have had unprotected sex and do not want to risk a pregnancy.

“We need women to understand they have up to 72 hours to take the ECP after unprotected sex – although the sooner they take it, the more effective it is likely to be.”

Dr Greer said the ECP continues to be available by prescription from doctors and it can be bought from accredited pharmacies and nurses.

FPA hopes this campaign will contribute to New Zealanders managing their sexuality positively and responsibly. The organisation continues to encourage young people to delay their first sexual experience and educators work with young people in helping them to develop their communication and negotiation skills, and ensure they have information on which to make these decisions.

The FPA posters will be visible in the coming weeks in towns and cities throughout New Zealand.

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