Nudists say relaxed view of body can reduce teen pregnancies

Published on Wednesday 18 March 2009 21:39

NUDISTS said today that a more relaxed attitude to the naked body could reduce the number of teenage pregnancies.

British Naturism said it was no coincidence that a high pregnancy level among teenagers was found in the "least liberal" countries.

In a submission to the Scottish Government, the group said: "Anyone who advocates prudery should be required to stand in front of a group of pregnant teenagers and explain why in countries such as Denmark or the Netherlands most of them would not be pregnant."

The comments were in a seven-page document lodged with the government, which sought views on proposals to improve the lives of children.

The consultation was prompted by a UN report last October, which noted a "climate of intolerance" and negative attitudes towards children, especially adolescents, in the UK.

Andrew Welch, commercial manager of British Naturism, said: "There is strong evidence that conventional attitudes towards the human body contribute significantly to a wide range of problems.

"Westminster government figures show that the UK has the worst teenage pregnancy figures of any country in Europe, while the figures are even worse in Scotland.

"The UK is probably the most censorious country in Europe about anything to do with the body.

"This pattern of less body tolerance, worse outcomes is repeated across the western world. Our research shows conclusively that this is no chance connection," Mr Welch said.