German MS Society launches family planning telephone counselling service

Our colleagues at the German MS Society (DMSG) have launched an innovative family planning telephone counselling service for young adults living with MS: “Planbaby bei MS”.

Figures show that MS is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 – a time when many people choose to start a family. “Planbaby bei MS”, therefore, aims to support people who are in this age group living with MS to make informed choices about family planning.

Trained counsellors in all 16 provincial associations of the DMSG are now providing comprehensive telephone advice about childhood, pregnancy, lactation, and parenthood, overseen by medical professionals.

Project patron

Impressed by the unique concept of the project, Federal Minister of Family Affairs Manuela Schwesig has chosen to become its patron. “Having children is a great happiness,” she comments.

“I therefore support this important project by the DMSG, because I would like women and men living with MS to be able to fulfill their wish of having children. There are many questions for young people with MS; the fact that “Planbaby bei MS” now provides contact points and networks for nationwide exchange is very important.”

“Planbaby bei MS” is also committed to building new networks and cooperation agreements, with work on a virtual contact centre for parents living with MS currently underway.

Click here to find out more about “Planbaby bei MS” (external website opens in a new window).