Blog: One-stop sexual health shops will improve women’s health awareness and remove unwelcome stigmas

Written by Junior Litigation Executive, Jessica Sephton

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have released a report confirming one-stop sexual health shops should open for women.

The Better for Women report advises woman could access contraception, attend screening services and receive health advice.

37% of women surveyed confirmed they could not obtain contraception services locally.

In addition, 34% did not attend their last cervical cancer smear test.

The College has been working on a women’s health blueprint for some time in tandem with other groups.

However, the issue remains that women today live busy lives and struggle to get the necessary healthcare they require.

Consequently, I believe if these shops were given the green light we can reduce the risk of sexual diseases spreading and see a reduction in unplanned pregnancies.

In an interview with the Guardian this week, College president, Lesley Regan advised:
“We’re not delivering what women need where they need it. Girls and women are being pushed from pillar to post because a nurse or GP hasn’t got the commission to actually do other things as well.”

Ultimately, many women’s health services are based on prevention, such as cancer screening and contraception.

What’s upsetting is the fact many of these vital services in recent years have been brutally cut.

Being able to attend a smear test or undergo an STI Check within a 15-minute time frame will be a huge benefit to women.