Amsterdam, 31 August 1995
New HAI poster criticizes unethical drug promotion targeted at women
On 5 September Health Action International will launch a poster on women
and drug promotion which answers the question: "What do women look for
when choosing a contraceptive ?" The poster will be presented during a HAI
workshop at the NGO Forum of the 1995 World Conference on Women in
Huairou, China (Room 20-T72, 11:00 - 14:45).
The poster shows an international selection of advertisements for
contraceptives which present false promises, empty slogans, sex stereotyping
and the assumption that women can't think. These are mostly advertisements
directed at doctors.
HAI believes that women's health is compromised by this type of promotion
and argues that to make an informed choice women need:
. A wide range of contraceptive methods to choose from, including user-
controlled, barrier and natural methods, as well as access to safe
abortion and sterilisation
. full unbiased information about the methods available: risks, benefits,
how to use them, whether they protect against STDs, and effects on
relationships and daily life
. freedom from pressure to use a contraceptive method; no sanctions or
incentives
. access to a good health care system, follow-up care and assurance of
removal on demand
"These advertisements may help to sell a product," says Ellen 't Hoen of HAI-
Europe, "but they do little to contribute to better health for women. Those who
provide contraceptives should have women's health interests as their main
concern. This poster shows what happens if this is not the case".
At the HAI workshops during the NGO Forum, women from all over the
world will discuss how controls can be improved to ensure that the messages
in advertising of medicines do not conflict with women's health priorities.
Free review copies are available for the press.
Posters are available from HAI-Europe. Price is Dfl. 15,- + Dfl 5,- handling
charge for 5 copies. For bulk orders please contact the HAI-Europe office.
For further information, please contact:
Ellen 't Hoen, HAI-Europe, tel: + 31 20 6833684 or
Barbara Mintzes, at the NGO Forum in Huairou, China,
Hotel Laong Building in Beijing (room 1010),
tel: (86 10) 2024433, fax: (86 10) 2033545