KELLY OSBOURNE - KELLY OSBOURNE BACKS CAMPAIGN TO STOP UNPLANNED PREGNANCY

Kelly Osbourne has added her support to a campaign highlighting the growing problem of unplanned pregnancies.

The singer and TV presenter joins UK and international health groups in promoting World Contraception Day, a bid to improve British attitudes towards sexual protection.

More than a third of sexually-active Britons have admitted to having unprotected sex while 52 per cent said they had not discussed contraception with their partner before having sex, according to new independent research.

A study carried out by Kudos Research on behalf of Marie Stopes International also showed that while London residents are the most likely Britons to use contraception, nearly half of people in the Midlands (43 per cent) did not use protection.

"This campaign is important because it empowers young people to make informed choices about contraception," said Osbourne.

"Today, young women face many pressures and challenges when dealing with relationships and sex, but my message is simple when it comes to contraception: it's your life, it's your body and it's your choice."

She added that having a baby is "one of the biggest decisions in your life" and said talking about contraception with your partner was crucial.

The UK has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Europe, while the rate of abortions in England and Wales has increased more than eight-fold since legislation came into effect in 1968.