On Monday morning, the president of ‘Planning Familial,’ Ainhoa Achutegui, discussed sexual health during an interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio, shedding light on the topic of virginity certificates, among other things.
Although there is a small number of women who approach Planning Familial each year seeking virginity certificates, the organisation stresses that Luxembourg, as a society, does not endorse such procedures. Achutegui was very clear on this point.
The organisation therefore openly supports a petition initiated by private individuals, which has already garnered enough signatures to be publicly debated by MPs in the Chamber of Deputies.
Women who request virginity certificates find themselves in “a wide variety of situations,” often acting under pressure from their families. Planning Familial provides assistance in the form of advice and psychological support. The organisation also aims to work with families to address the underlying issues.
Achutegui pointed out that Luxembourgish doctors do not generally issue this type of certificate: “From a medical standpoint this certificate has no value, and from a societal perspective it is deeply concerning,” the President of Planning Familial said.
Achutegui also discussed the organisation’s latest annual report. She said she was not alarmed by the slight 17% increase in abortions in 2022, considering the corresponding decline during the pandemic. In Achutegui’s view, these figures are indicative of “good sex-ed work.”
Achutegui stressed, “on average, pregnancies are terminated between the 4th and 5th week, which is relatively early. However, these women are usually resolute in their decision and quickly seek our support when they realise they do not want to keep their child.”
Nonetheless, Planning Familial advocates for an extension of the time limit for abortion from 12 to 14 weeks. This recommendation considers the delicate situations faced by women, particularly if they are extremely young or became pregnant after being raped. “There are numerous factors involved,” the President of Planning Familial explained.
Planning Familial has observed an increasing number of individuals without social security coverage seeking their assistance, necessitating collaboration with Médecins du Monde to support those in highly precarious situations.
In light of this, Planning Familial calls for the reform of abortion laws in the context of the upcoming legislative elections in October, despite Luxembourg currently having one of the most liberal abortion laws in Europe. While the effectiveness of sex education is evident, adjustments are still required on the ground, Achutegui argued.
Rape also remains a recurrent topic during consultations, prompting Planning Familial to advocate for proper support structures and a clear consolidation of relevant contacts for those affected.
