Mischa Barton Launches Off the First-Ever World Contraception Day

Hollywood actress Mischa Barton presented the launch of World Contraception Day - the first-ever international awareness campaign with the goal of reducing the high levels of unintended pregnancy that occur every year. 2007 marked the inaugural year of the campaign, with World Contraception Day, this year, specifically focusing on young adults with the hope to raise awareness of contraception and to improve the level of education regarding reproductive and sexual health.

According to this campaign, the decision to have a child is a very personal one. A child will always be a little miracle, but it should not come as a surprise. World Contraception Day encourages all young people, and particularly young women, to make the most of the opportunities they have and to live a self-determined life. This campaign is a long-term, multinational initiative, to take place each year on September 26, to ensure maximum awareness of contraception amongst women and men. Given that different life-stages present different needs in terms of contraception, the focus of the campaign each year will shift to recognize these different challenges.

World Contraception Day highlights the fact that birth control is as important a decision for men as it is for women. The campaign is the first of its kind and aims to address the high unmet need to reduce the level of unintended pregnancy. Worldwide, of the approximately 210 million pregnancies occurring each year, an estimated 38% are unplanned and 22% of these end in abortion.

The slogan for 2007, “Live your life before you start another”. This year’s World Contraception Day focused on accurately educating young people about contraceptive options, so they can make informed choices about parenthood. Activities took place all around the world to honor this year’s first World Contraception Day, including educational events at schools, colleges and universities, charity concerts, and road shows involving workshops for young people and promotional activities in nightclubs and discos.

The message: Its Your Life - young women and men should live their lives and make the choice if, and especially when, they want to start another.

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• Mischa Barton: "I know that I feel too young to have a child and many people my age probably feel the same. I want to encourage all young people to follow their aspirations and live their lives to the full. They should only have a baby when they are ready, and not by chance. Every child should be wanted..." Hear More of Mischa's Views in This Video

_{Mischa Barton Photo courtesy of Your-Life.com}