Young people unaware of unprotected sex risks

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 14th Aug 2006

Commenting on the BareAll2006 survey about young people's attitudes to sex, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Sandra Gidley MP said:

"This survey shows a worrying lack of awareness among young people about the risks of unprotected sex.

"Young people seem happy to talk about their sexual experiences, but are less keen to speak with sexual health professionals about problems they may have.

"This is made worse by a lack of access to sexual health services, as much of the money set aside for frontline sexual health services has been used to plug deficits.

"There must be full access to testing for STIs in the confidential setting of a GUM clinic, as well as timely advice about contraception from professionals who can reach out to young people in a non-judgmental way."