A reduction in VAT on condoms is among the measures recommended in a strategy to make contraception more affordable and reduce crisis pregnancies published by the Crisis Pregnancy Agency (CPA) today.
The State's first strategy to cut the number of crisis pregnancies was officially unveiled by the Minister for Health this afternoon. It claims to bring together key statistics on pregnancy and abortion for the first time.
Some 6,469 women gave Irish addresses at British abortion clinics last year.
According to the CPA, up to 80 per cent of abortions are to single women, with the highest rates among 20 to 24-year-olds and those over 40 years of age. Approximately one in five conceptions within these two age groups end in abortion.
The new strategy says dealing with crisis pregnancy demands "effective education, advice and contraception services combined with a cultural change within Irish society".
Ms Olive Braiden, chairperson of the CPA, said information, education and access to contraception reduce both crisis pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. "Our schools, if they are to totally prepare our children for life must prepare them for a life that will fully acknowledge their sexuality," she said.
Ms Braiden said research shows the use of contraception is particularly low (approximately 20 per cent) in women seeking abortion.
The CPA has set aside €1.17 million annually to increase the current level of crisis pregnancy counselling services by 50 per cent. It also plans to develop a specialised training programme for crisis pregnancy counsellors.
A major study to examine knowledge of contraception and fertility will be carried out by the CPA next year in conjunction with the Department of Health.