Text message for FREE condoms for Christmas campaign

Embargoed: 00.01 hours Monday 8 December, 2008

Starting Monday 8 December 2008 for one week only, leading sexual health agency Marie Stopes International (MSI) is offering free condoms for Christmas to young people who text message a special number. The aim is to promote safer sex and to stem the rise in unplanned pregnancies and STIs, which takes place every year over the festive party season.

“From our own experience as the UK’s largest provider of abortion services outside the NHS, we know that in January and February our centres see greater numbers of women than at any other time of the year,” said Julie Douglas, MSI’s Head of Marketing.

Official statistics show that the first quarter of every year always produces the highest numbers of women having abortions.

“The dangerous combination of alcohol and the festive party spirit can reduce inhibitions and lead women and men into risk taking sexual behaviour,” said Julie Douglas.

“Our message to all revellers this year is to wrap up for Christmas. Take condoms with you, and if you are going to have sex, please play safely.”

MSI has partnered with Fusion Condoms for the Christmas promotion, and has chosen to promote condom usage over other forms of contraception because condoms are the only method which protect against both unplanned pregnancy and STIs.

Anyone can request free condoms from MSI whilst stocks last. Simply text safesex, plus your name and address to 86122.

To highlight the Christmas campaign, MSI will be putting condoms up in lights at the world famous Piccadilly Circus digital advertising hoarding in London during the week commencing Monday 8th December, 2008.

Contact: Tony Kerridge Tel: 020 7034 2365 / 07748 948 037

Categories: United Kingdom; Europe; Contraception; Family planning

08/12/2008

Text message for FREE condoms for Christmas campaign

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