News
Teen Pregnancy on the Decrease
March 28, 2012 Nicola  |
Teen pregnancies are down to a new record low, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures for 2010 show teen pregnancy reducing in England and Wales. It was estimated to be the lowest since the early 1980s with the rate for 2009 being 38,259 for girls aged 18 or younger.
With such positive figures, Julie Bentley, chief executive of Family Planning Association (FPA) said:
“The fact that we’re seeing the lowest teenage pregnancy figures in England and Wales for over 40 years is because of the dedicated work of professionals in relationship and sex education, contraception and local services. We must do all we can to keep the momentum going.”
Gill Frances, chairwoman of the Teenage Pregnancy Independent Advisory Group, also welcomes these figures. She told the BBC:
“Nationally, statutory sex and relationships education will give an extra benefit and government must also ensure all young people have access to contraceptive and sexual health services.”
Simon Blake, national director of the sex and relationships advisory group Brook, said: “It is good news that the teenage pregnancy rates have decreased and we now need to continue doing what we know works - improving access to sexual health services, good quality sex and relationships education in school and the community and supporting parents to talk to their children about relationships.”
However, it raises questions about whether sex education and contraception are major influential factors or whether more girls want to pursue a career and therefore choose university courses and apprenticeships instead of early motherhood.
The Guardian reported an increase in female participation at university, with statistics from 2008-2009, showing 51% of young women had entered into higher education and women received more firsts and 2:1 degrees than men.
The Guardian’s Rachel Williams, however, said: “Unfortunately the effects of the change of government on teen pregnancy can’t be seen as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) teen pregnancy rates are two years out of date. We do know that the number … is reducing as the rearrangements in the health service take place.
“We can only wait to see what the ONS report in the future about teenage pregnancy rates.”
By Kate Wilson
[Image courtesy of Sparlingo]
