Government averting its gaze when it comes to sexual health issues

THERE is an aisle in your local Boots store where the unwritten rule is that shoppers must avoid meeting each other’s eyes.

It’s the aisle where the condoms are stacked close to the pregnancy test packs with the ovulation checking kits in between.

Condom buyers in pregnancy prevention mode never glance at ovulation checkers plotting the optimum time for conception, and both respectfully avoid the pregnancy testers who in turn leave each other in peace. All are acutely aware that their demeanour or purchase may betray an anguish or excitement that is insensitive to the feelings of another, for those who browse or buy there may be approaching the selection of neat little packages with any one of hope, fear, confidence or desperation.