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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Jessica Black

Sex disease cases spike a 'real threat' after lockdown lifted, says MLA

Sex diseases could spike when lockdown is lifted, it is feared.

Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said Stormont should get the message out about safe sex, as it plans to ease restrictions and allow people to meet indoors.

Ms Bradshaw, who sits on the Health Committee, said: "We are not good at discussing such issues, but there is a real threat that we will see a spike in crisis pregnancies and STIs.

"Obviously at the minute people's interactions are very much halted and we have to recognise that on the far side people will be keen to get out and we need to make sure they're reminded of the very real threat that they could face a crisis pregnancy or contract a STI which could have long lasting consequences."

As well as public health campaigns, Ms Bradshaw said sexual and reproductive health charities should be properly funded.

She said the campaigns needed to reflect the reality - and diversity - of people's lifestyles.

She added: "The frustration amongst the charities I've spoken to are people's lives are all very different and we have to ensure public services reflect that reality as opposed to how we would like people to live their lives.

"There's the high level campaigns, the likes of Public Health Agency could and should be running around safe sex, but also then to make sure those front facing charities and voluntary organisations who work with people are properly funded going forward."

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