The association presented a list of recommendations on Tuesday.
With sexually transmitted diseases on the rise, the association calls for better sex education, more condom distribution points, harsher punishments for sexual offenders and more rights to abortion.
Since 1 April, contraception is free in Luxembourg, with the exception of condoms. While they are still available for free in various places (CHL hospital, HIV counselling offices), access could still be greatly improved.
“Over 35,000 free condoms have been distributed, but we want to hand out more. If you could get them for free at the pharmacy, as is the case for some people in France, then it would be even better,” says Yves Bruch, Vice President of Planning Familial.
The association has noticed an increase in cases of chlamydia and syphilis, with less people using condoms.
Read more:State to cover 100% of contraception costs from 1 April
Sexual education in schools is vital to improve general sexual well-being, says the association. Teachers must be trained to speak about this topic to all age groups, and youths must be confronted more with the topic of sexual health.
At the moment there are still discrepancies between schools in the levels of sex education, says Bruch, despite it being manifested in the curriculum.
547 women in Luxembourg went for an abortion last year alone, 8 were sent abroad because they passed the 12-week limit.
The association therefore calls on the abortion time limit to be increased from 12 to 14 weeks. It should remain free for all, no matter whether a woman is insured or not.
“This is simply a case of women’s rights. Not having the intervention happens most often because she did not realise she was pregnant, which can have various reasons,” says Ainhoa Achutegui, President of Planning Familial.
With regards to sexual abuse and offenders, the organisation calls for stricter laws and swifter action.
Many victims of sexual assault carry the weight of this trauma with them for a long time, Achutegui says.
Lastly, Luxembourg does not collect sufficient data on sexual abuse, nor the use of contraception. This makes it difficult for the organisation to assess the efficiency of its proposals and measures.
It therefore proposes conducting a national survey on sexual health. This would improve future legislation.
Video report in Luxembourgish:
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