TWFG Critical of Government Measures Against Beneficiaries 
 
The Tertiary Women’s focus group (TWFG) is appalled at the Government’s latest measures taken again beneficiaries basic rights.
 
“We have long had a culture of ‘benefit bashing’ and the power imbalance that comes with walking into a Work and Income office will mean many will feel bullied into getting whatever form of contraceptive they are told to get. These measures take away an individual’s right to choose what is right for them” says spokesperson Ta’ase Vaoga.
 
“I hope they realise that long-term contraceptives are not for everyone, much the same as many cannot take the pill.”
 
TWFG believes that women should make decisions about their bodies based on sound advice and knowledge gained from experts, not from the government.
 
“A woman knows their body best and should be getting advice from professionals about contraceptives and learning about the impacts of the contraceptive on their body. This is in danger of not happening, particularly when something doesn’t work the way it should
 
“Many people encounter complications from using contraceptives which requires monitoring from a health professional. This costs money, has the government considered who will bear this cost? It is the responsibility of the individual to make these choices about their bodies, not a government bureaucracy”
 
“The Government should be focussing on education around health promotion and safe sex.”

The TWFG is the autonomous women's organising group within the New Zealand Union of Students' Associations, the national representative body for tertiary students.
 
ENDS

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