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Hold until: Tuesday 9 November 2010
MOST UNPLANNED PREGNANCIES
IMPACTED THE UNDER 25s¹
Is Gen Y’s choice of contraception matching their lifestyle?
An online survey conducted by Marie Stopes International Australia showed that half of the women
who responded had experienced an unplanned pregnancy, with 63 percent of those being under the
age of 24 at the time.¹
An awareness campaign called “Choice not Chance” ² is calling on young women to learn more
about contraception, to be aware of their options, and to talk to their healthcare professional about
contraceptive choice.
“Young women’s choices and lifestyles have changed over time and their contraceptive options have
too. Marie Stopes International Australia is endorsing this important campaign because we’re keen to
ensure that Generation Y is aware of the ever evolving contraception options. It’s important for them
to make choices about contraception that suit their lifestyle and life stage,” said Jill Michelson,
National Clinical Advisor, Marie Stopes International Australia.
“Young women may find contraceptive choice a minefield. We find in our clinical experience that
young women are often unclear about the many options available to them. For example, there are
long-term reversible or daily options available that a woman can use which return her to pre-existing
fertility when she is ready.
questions about contraceptive options by providing factual information about types of contraception. A
confidential online questionnaire has also been developed to assist women to have an informed
discussion with their GP, nurse or health professional about contraceptive choices.
To learn more about the range of contraceptive options available in Australia visit:
772 727 or talk to your GP.
-Ends-
1
Marie Stopes International. “Real Choices: women, contraception and unplanned pregnancy” Survey, 2008.
2
Choice not Chance is an awareness campaign that is endorsed by Marie Stopes International and sponsored by MSD.
Consumer Media Release
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About MSD
Today's MSD is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. MSD is a tradename of
Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A. Through our prescription
medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with
customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also
demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies,
programs and partnerships. MSD. Be well. For more information, visit www.msd-australia.com.au.
Merck Sharp & Dohme (Australia) Pty Limited. Level 4, 66 Waterloo Road, North Ryde NSW 2113
About MSI
The Marie Stopes International global partnership, of which Marie Stopes International Australia is a
partner, provides vital sexual and reproductive healthcare services to almost 7 million people in 43
countries worldwide.
Marie Stopes International Australia offers a range of services and advice through our licensed and
accredited centres in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and
Western Australia.
Marie Stopes International Australia also provides life saving support to eight country partner
programs in the Asia-Pacific and with Indigenous communities. Surplus funds from our Australian
centres are donated to help these programs grow.
-- ENDS –
Issued by Publicis Life Brands on behalf of MSD.
Copyright © 2010 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA All Rights
Reserved. MSD 77 Waterloo Rd, North Ryde 2113.IMP-10-AUS-6527-PR
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE
Interviews available with Jill Michelson, National Clinical Advisor,
Marie Stopes International Australia after 9 November 2010
For further information please contact:
Sarah Reed – sarah.reed@publicislifebrands.com.au Ph: 0421 327 366
Kath Markov – kath.markov@mariestopes.org.au Ph: 0421 097 150
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