Crisis Pregnancy Agency launches think contraception Valentine’s competition – WIN a €200 ONE4ALL gift voucher & think contraception protection packs

THIS VALENTINE’S DAY: THINK FLOWERS, THINK CHOCOLATES, THINK CONTRACEPTION

February 4th 2009 – The Crisis Pregnancy Agency today launched a competition to encourage sexually active adults to Think Contraception this Valentine’s Day. Large-scale research commissioned by the Agency has shown that among 18 – 25 year olds, 26% did not report consistent use of contraception in the last year (Irish Contraception and Crisis Pregnancy [ICCP] Study, 2004). Building on the message that “Nobody else is going to do the thinking for you,” when it comes to sexual health, the Agency is encouraging adults to put pen to paper and create a Valentine’s message promoting contraception use. 71% of women and 80% of men who experience a crisis pregnancy are either in a steady relationship, living together or married/ engaged (ICCP, 2004).

The Agency is giving away a €200 One4all Gift Voucher* to the author of the Valentine’s message which, in the opinion of the Agency, best promotes correct and consistent use of contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Ten runners up will receive prizes of Think Contraception Protection Packs (containing a Think Contraception t-shirt, Think Contraception tins, condoms, and stickers). Entries could be a poem, a message, a limerick, a haiku or even a Shakespearian sonnet, the only limit is that it must be 100 words or less and it must promote the benefits of contraception for sexually active adults. The winning entry will be used for this year’s Think Contraception Valentine’s e-greeting, and will provide recipients with a timely reminder to Think Contraception on the most romantic day of the year.

To enter the competition, all budding bards should visit thinkcontraception.ie for more information. The closing date for entries is 5pm on Tuesday, February 10th 2009, and all entrants must include their name, mobile/daytime phone number, address and date of birth. The competition is restricted to over 18s only and entrants must agree to the terms and conditions of the competition which are outlined on thinkcontraception.ie.

* Can be redeemed at outlets nationwide. See www.one4all.ie for details.

ENDS///

Editor’s Notes:
1. The Crisis Pregnancy Agency (CPA) was established in 2001 and is mandated to provide for:
A) A reduction in the number of crisis pregnancies by the provision of education, advice and contraceptive services
B) A reduction in the number of women with crisis pregnancies who opt for abortion by offering services and support which make other options more attractive
C) The provision of counselling services, medical services and other health services for the purpose of providing support, after crisis pregnancy, as may be deemed appropriate by the Agency.

For more information contact:
Lorna Farren
Programmes & Communications Officer
Crisis Pregnancy Agency
01-8146292
087-6289831