Scottish Council on Human Bioethics

15 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4DP, Tel: 0131 447 6394 or 0774 298 4459

1 March 2004

Press release:

New Report Highlights the Inadequacy of Sex and Relationships Education in Scotland

The Scottish Council on Human Bioethics released a new report on the 1st of March 2004 entitled Informing Choice: New Approaches and Ethics for Sex and Relationships Education in Scotland. The report highlights a number of areas where Scottish sex and relationships education is failing young people. In particular the lack of information young people receive in order to help them make their own informed choices about sexual activity.

Philip Boydell, the main author of the report, said: 'Young people should not only consent but need to make an informed choice concerning a sexual relationship' adding that 'since this is not generally happening in Scotland, the Scottish Executive needs to immediately address this unethical state of affairs'.

The report highlights a number of points which need to be considered, namely that:

Young people are not encouraged enough to think about relationships. For example that positive sex is not just about physical pleasure but a relationship of love.

Sex can often be used to fulfil non-sexual needs such as a desire to gain affection, ease loneliness, bolster self-esteem or confirm masculinity or femininity.

Delay may be in the best interests of the young person because of questions over his or her competence to anticipate risks associated with sexual activity.

If young people are to make genuine informed choices they need to know the scientific effectiveness of contraception in order to help them in their choices about sex and risk.

The report indicates that if ethical principles are respected in Sex and Relationship Education, they would enable confidence and common ground to exist between parents, schools, health professionals and political leaders in Scotland.

Contact: Philip Boydell, Scottish Council on Human Bioethics. 15 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4DP. Tel: 0131 447 6394 or Mobile: 07866 468299.