Due to a financial crunch, the New Zealand government has decided to let go of the free sexual health consultations that it used to provide to youths.

The main aim of these consultations was to ensure that there is awareness among the young generation regarding sexually transmitted disease (STD), and teenage pregnancy. But with this health cut, now many young people would have to shell out the money themselves.

This would eventually lead to a rise in the number of cases of teenage pregnancy and Sexually transmitted diseases. The situation becomes worse as the current scenario is also not fruitful and New Zealand is among the nations which have a high rate of STDs as well as teenage pregnancy. Last year, there were 25,000 cases related to STDs reported with in the country.

With the onset of next month, this free consultation would only be limited for high-needs patients, which would leave a lot of people under the age of 22 years vulnerable. According to ProCare Chief Executive, Ron Hooton, this scheme was specifically introduced for high needs patients. With the increase in demand and shortage of funds, it had become vital to keep the program for those who need it the most.