Going backwards? Anti abortion group appointed to government health advisory board

I came across this article in the Guardian newspaper today.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/may/24/abortion-sexual-health-coalition?CMP=twt_iph

Essentially, it seems that a pro-life (anti-abortion) group  that promotes abstinence sex education has been appointed to a government advisory board. usually I am all for having different views expressed so that debate can be generated and the best possible policy reached, but I find this move to be more than a little disturbing, especially as this appointment seems to have replaced the position on the board usually held by the British pregnancy advisory service. The aims of the group are several-fold, according to the article and their website and their stance on particular issues is what concerns me.

There appears to be a strongly religious (non-denominational by their description) background to the group, thus there will be inherent bias and policy based on blind faith rather than evidence. The fact that the group promotes abstinence sex education and is already raising issues about contraception education does not bode well. Additionally, it is the stated aim of the group to reduce abortions and instigate legislation that forces women seeking abortion to undergo counseling by an organisation that does not conduct abortions. For a governmental advisory board in a secular country, this is not the most forward or progressive moves. Should they consider all opinions? Yes, probably. But the people on this committee should be informed and without a distinct agenda beyond the well-being of the individuals concerned.

It seems very reminiscent of some of the sex education and anti-abortion groups and policies in certain US States. Certainly it seems to be further limiting women's choices about their own bodies.  As a woman who is pro choice and pro sex education I find this to be a worrying trend and I wonder how far this regression will take us.