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Dr. Tonge: Does the Minister agree that that young, vulnerable group of women are reluctant to seek help because they have to go to a GP in whom they may not have confidence, because he is known in the area, or to a local casualty department or a local family planning clinic, where they may be known and told off or castigated for what they have done?
Ms Jowell: In many cases, that is so, particularly where young women live in small communities. They are concerned that if they go to the doctor, they may be
spotted by their auntie or another member of their family in the waiting room. That is a deterrent. Although we recognise that many GPs handle the issue with great sensitivity and care, we need to reflect carefully on the particular needs of young women, in providing not just advice on contraception and sex but the opportunity to talk about sex and contraception in the context of relationships. Later this year, we shall introduce specific proposals for reducing teenage pregnancy, of which these proposals will form part.
Question put and agreed to.
Adjourned accordingly at half-past Ten o'clock.
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