UK Wedding News
24/02/2015
The conception rate among teenagers in the UK is at a record low, according to new official statistics.
The figures, which have been published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), revealed the conception rate among those under the age of 18 fell by 12.3% to 24.3 per 1,000 teens in 2013.
This is the lowest rate since records began, the ONS said.
In addition, in 2013 the conception rate for under-16s was 4.8 per 1,000 females – a fall of 14.3% from 2012.
Overall, since 1998, the under-18 conception rate has decreased by 47.9%, with the ONS saying reductions of more than 60% were recorded in some top tier local authorities in England over this time. Yet, "significant variations" in the under-18 conception rate throughout the UK remain. In some areas, the rate is said to be significantly higher than the England average.
Public Heath England (PHE) has welcomed the fall, with National Director of Health and Wellbeing, Professor Kevin Fenton, saying: "Today's data shows us high conception rates can be reduced and young people's sexual health can be improved, if they receive the right support.
"Young people who have the highest rate of unplanned pregnancy and teenage parenthood can be at risk of a range of poor outcomes, such as poor educational achievement, poor physical and mental health, social isolation and poverty, so it is vital this downward trend is continued.
"One of PHE's 7 national priorities is 'ensuring every child has the best start in life'. We are committed to supporting local government and partners to further reduce under 18 conception rates because we know this is generally better for both parents and their children."
Alison Hadley, Teenage Pregnancy Knowledge Exchange Director at the University of Bedfordshire, and PHE adviser, added: "The significant reduction is proof that concerted effort, evidence-based approaches and significant time can make a difference to complex public health issues."
However, she added: "Despite the 48% drop since 1998, young people in England continue to experience higher levels of teenage pregnancy than their peers in comparable Western European countries so a continued focus is essential.
"International evidence and lessons from the most successful local areas show the key ingredients of success are comprehensive sex and relationship education, in and out of school, easy access to young people-centred contraceptive and sexual health services, more intensive prevention for those most at risk and coordinated support for young parents."
(JP/CD)
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UK's Teenage Pregnancy Rate Falls
The conception rate among teenagers in the UK is at a record low, according to new official statistics.
The figures, which have been published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), revealed the conception rate among those under the age of 18 fell by 12.3% to 24.3 per 1,000 teens in 2013.
This is the lowest rate since records began, the ONS said.
In addition, in 2013 the conception rate for under-16s was 4.8 per 1,000 females – a fall of 14.3% from 2012.
Overall, since 1998, the under-18 conception rate has decreased by 47.9%, with the ONS saying reductions of more than 60% were recorded in some top tier local authorities in England over this time. Yet, "significant variations" in the under-18 conception rate throughout the UK remain. In some areas, the rate is said to be significantly higher than the England average.
Public Heath England (PHE) has welcomed the fall, with National Director of Health and Wellbeing, Professor Kevin Fenton, saying: "Today's data shows us high conception rates can be reduced and young people's sexual health can be improved, if they receive the right support.
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"Young people who have the highest rate of unplanned pregnancy and teenage parenthood can be at risk of a range of poor outcomes, such as poor educational achievement, poor physical and mental health, social isolation and poverty, so it is vital this downward trend is continued.
"One of PHE's 7 national priorities is 'ensuring every child has the best start in life'. We are committed to supporting local government and partners to further reduce under 18 conception rates because we know this is generally better for both parents and their children."
Alison Hadley, Teenage Pregnancy Knowledge Exchange Director at the University of Bedfordshire, and PHE adviser, added: "The significant reduction is proof that concerted effort, evidence-based approaches and significant time can make a difference to complex public health issues."
However, she added: "Despite the 48% drop since 1998, young people in England continue to experience higher levels of teenage pregnancy than their peers in comparable Western European countries so a continued focus is essential.
"International evidence and lessons from the most successful local areas show the key ingredients of success are comprehensive sex and relationship education, in and out of school, easy access to young people-centred contraceptive and sexual health services, more intensive prevention for those most at risk and coordinated support for young parents."
(JP/CD)
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