ENHANCING SEXUAL WELLBEING IN SCOTLAND - A SEXUAL HEALTH AND RELATIONSHIPS STRATEGY: Analysis of Written Responses to the Public Consultation
CHAPTER 4: CURRENT PICTURE
4.1 This section of the Draft Strategy was relatively uncontroversial and broadly supported by the respondents who commented on it.
The Scottish Executive should retain their target for reducing teenage pregnancies, but should ensure that other targets or indicators complement this in order to give a more comprehensive picture of sexual wellbeing for both sexes and all age groups in Scotland. |
4.2 There was clear support for action to reduce teenage pregnancies complemented by other targets and initiatives focusing on the more comprehensive picture of sexual health and healthy relationships.
"[organisation] support the positioning of teenage pregnancy in the context of broader issues. Whilst we understand the seriousness of Scotland's position in terms of international rates of teenage conceptions, [organisation] are pleased that the teenage pregnancy issue will not be isolated or raised above other considerations such as developing healthy relationships." (Education and Young People)
"[organisation] welcomes the recommendation […] This commitment underlines the extent to which the Scottish Executive regards reducing teenage pregnancies as a significant issue, and one which will require a long term strategy, building upon the success of previous work, if it is to be tackled effectively." (Education and Young People)
"We welcome and endorse the proposals contained in paragraphs 3.1 - 3.11 to widen targets and performance indicators around sexual health giving a more comprehensive picture of sexual wellbeing for both sexes and all age groups." (Medical Health)
Local Authorities and NHS Boards should ensure that their Community Plans, Local Health Plans and Children's Services Plans complement their local inter-agency sexual health strategies |
"This recommendation can help to promote a joined up approach to tackling sexual ill health, but […] the Scottish Executive must engage with young people and the voluntary sector if such an approach is to be effective." (Education and Young People)
"Such approaches will be most effective if they are consistent and adhere to national minimum standards - where discretionary local approaches are adopted they are open to avoiding some of the difficult issues or being subject to specific pressure from particular interests." (Equalities)