Teen pregnancy rate dropped

Teen pregnancies have dropped to their lowest rate in more than 20 years, according to annual statistics published today.

The conception rates from the Office of National Statistics show that though teen pregnancies did rise in 2007 there has since been a decline among under 16 year olds, linked to the Government’s teenage pregnancy strategy.

Between 2007 and 2008, the number of young teens falling pregnant dropped by 5.7 per cent.

In 2009, the Government spent £26. million promoting contraception.

To help improve on the progress, the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy: Beyond 2010 is aiming to further tackle the causes of teenage pregnancy along with more support for parents and sexual health schemes.

Children’s Minister Dawn Primarolo said the Government remained committed to making sure that young people had access and support they need when it comes to decisions about sex, but that that parents needed take an active role with this too.

She added: “Teenage pregnancy is no longer a rising problem. It is important that we recognise the progress made by many areas in driving down teenage pregnancy rates. Last year’s increase was very disappointing so I am particularly pleased that today’s statistics put us back on track.”