GRÜNERLØKKA (Dagbladet): – This is fantastic news.
Gynecologist specialist Siri Kløkstad at Sex and Society in Oslo is excited. The news from Storting representative Even Røed (Ap) is something she has wanted for a long time: The government now provides free hormonal contraception to everyone under 20.
– The youngest contraceptive users are the most vulnerable group. I know we can prevent many unwanted pregnancies by reaching them better, she says.
Kløkstad says there is a lot of incorrect information about sex among young people.
– The most important thing for me is to come into contact with young people who have sex. When we can now provide free contraception, many more will come here, she says.
– We talk to young people about safe sex, about actually wanting to have sex when you have sex, as well as protecting against pregnancy. For example, some have much older sex partners, and we are happy to talk to them about that.
IMPORTANT: Even Røed (Ap) says his party supports young people having as much safe sex as they want. Photo: Jørgen Gilbrant / Dagbladet
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Birth control pills for teenagers
Until this year, it was up to each individual municipality to provide free contraception to young people – if the municipality itself wanted and could afford it.
Now the government has ensured that the state stands up.
– It is important that everyone has equal opportunities for contraception, says Even Røed.
Gynecologist Kløkstad nods.
– Are you going to give free birth control pills to young people?
– We do not provide contraception to girls who have not had their periods, only people who can become pregnant receive birth control pills with us, she says and adds:
– We can’t pretend that people under 16 don’t have sex. The most important thing is to prevent pregnancy among such young people. We know that we are unlucky, she says.
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Equality
Both Røed and Kløkstad are convinced that free hormonal contraception will lead to fewer unwanted teenage pregnancies.
– We make it easier for young girls to have control over their lives, says Røed.
The scheme applies to the possibility of free contraception,
The Labor politician emphasizes that it is still a doctor or nurse who must issue contraception – the difference is that young people will not have to pay for contraceptive sticks, birth control pills or other contraception.
– It is of course important that this is done in collaboration with health personnel. For the Labor Party, equality is also important; contraception has cost a lot of money for girls and young women, says Røed.
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As much safe sex as you want
He adds that it should be easier for young people to have safe sex in Norway.
– It is not the state’s task to decide when you have sex. It is a private matter. But it should be safe to have sex in Norway, and the state must ensure that, including by providing free contraception to everyone under 20, says Røed.
He adds that the government will also strengthen sex education in schools.
– The most important thing for a safe and good sex life for young people is information, just as Siri Kløkstad says. Sex education must be strengthened, says Røed and adds:
– The Labor Party encourages young people to have as much safe sex as they want.
