Sexual Health Position Statement launched

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) is calling for change to improve access for young people in Australia and New Zealand to sexual and reproductive care.

The College has launched its Sexual and Reproductive Health Care for Young People Position Statement outlining the need for information, education and clinical care that supports healthy sexual development and informed choices. 

The Position Statement was launched by Dr Sarah Martin in Melbourne on Friday, 13 November 2015, and is the product of several years of research and development by the Paediatric Policy and Advocacy Committee and the College.

RACP Paediatrics & Child Health Division President Dr Nicki Murdock said appropriate access to sexual and reproductive care will improve health care outcomes for all young people. This includes young people who are Indigenous, gender diverse, same-sex attracted or who live with disabilities or long-term conditions. 

In the statement, the RACP calls on Australasian governments, health professionals and health services to act on the College’s recommendations. Policy and legislative change has also been proposed. 

Key recommendations of the Position Statement include: 

• promoting young people’s right to confidential and non-judgemental sexual and reproductive health care 
• ensuring physically and financially feasible access to sexual and reproductive health care, with options for free health care 
• specific services for young people who may face increased discrimination or vulnerability 
• including the needs of young people in planning, service delivery and guideline development 
• sexuality and relationships education curricula are accurate and evidence-based