WOMEN in the north west face ‘confusion and stigma over contraceptive choices’, according to a charity survey to mark Sexual Health Week.

The Family Planning Association (FPA) said just 15 per cent of the women it spoke to in the region thought health professionals provide enough information on the different methods of emergency contraception that are available.

The study, which collected data from 2,509 women in the UK, also found that 40 per cent of those in the north west thought asking for emergency contraception could be embarrassing.

The FPA’s director of health and wellbeing, Natika Halil, said: “Worryingly many women are also told that using emergency contraception is the same as an abortion. This is completely wrong – emergency contraception can prevent a pregnancy, whereas an abortion is to end a pregnancy.

“Sexual Health Week this year is all about dispelling those myths and reminding women that using emergency contraception is a responsible choice, which shouldn’t leave you feeling embarrassed or ashamed.”