RPS endorses call for improved women’s reproductive health by FSRH to Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has signed an open letter from Dr. Janet Barter, President of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH), urging the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to prioritise women's reproductive health.
Alongside 60 other organisations, including the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), the RPS has also highlighted the pressing issue of health inequalities across the country.
This action follows the 2023 launch of the FSRH’s Hatfield Vision and the recent release of the Hatfield Vision Manifesto, which the RPS supports.
The Manifesto outlines five key points, including the introduction of a dedicated Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy and a commitment to continuing the Women's Health Strategy.
Additionally, it emphasises the need to improve access to a full range of contraceptives for all individuals at their preferred locations and to ensure that education and information about sexual and reproductive health are easily accessible throughout their lives.
The Manifesto also addresses racial health inequalities, stressing the importance of tackling the sexual and reproductive health disparities faced by Black women and women of color, and calls for the full funding of Community Sexual and Reproductive Health training posts.
"All women should have equal access to reproductive healthcare. Pharmacists play a crucial role in providing accessible healthcare, and standardizing access to reproductive healthcare will significantly benefit women and reduce health inequalities," Professor Claire Anderson, President of the RPS, stated.
"We hope the new government will work with us to ensure every individual can access the sexual and reproductive health services they need."
