September 26 is
World Contraception Day, a global campaign to raise awareness of contraception and the need to reduce the high levels of unplanned pregnancy, and to improve knowledge about reproductive and sexual health. I celebrated World Contraception Day in Berlin, Germany, at an event on September 24 sponsored by the
German Federation for World Population (DSW) and
Bayer Schering Pharma. The event in Berlin focused on teenage pregnancies worldwide and the need for better access to and information among teens to avoid pregnancy.
Moderated by Rolf Seelmann-Eggebert, Special Correspondent for
North German Broadcasting Corporation, the event opened with remarks by Renate Bähr, executive director of DSW, and Klaus Brill, Vice President of Corporate Commercial Relations for Bayer Schering Pharma. Marion Caspers-Merk, a Member of Parliament, asked provocatively in her keynote address what Germany would have provided to
Sarah Palin's daughter. She highlighted Germany's programs to reach teens and the country's support for international development programs.