Secrecy still surrounds contraception in Ireland

Secrecy and embarrassment about sexuality still contribute to unsafe sexual practices in Ireland despite the availability of contraceptives and information on abortion, according to the most comprehensive study to date on unwanted pregnancy.

Women and Crisis Pregnancy, was published by Brian Cowen, the minister of health, last week. Researchers from Trinity College, Dublin, questioned more than 2000 single and married women of all ages and social backgrounds. The report's publication comes as a government working group is also taking submissions for a green paper on abortion.

The …