DEPARTMENT FOR
EDUCATION AND SKILLS News Release (2007/0092) issued by The
Government News Network on 24 May 2007
Teenage pregnancy
statistics published today show the lowest under-16 and under-18
conception rates for the first quarter of a year since 1993, when
quarterly statistics were first published.
The latest quarterly teenage pregnancy statistics from Office
for National Statistics show that for the first quarter of 2006:
* The under-16 rate of conceptions was 7.0 per 1000 girls aged
13-15, compared with 7.6 for the same quarter 2005. This is the
lowest quarterly rate (for any quarter) since the start of the
statistical series in 1993.
* The under-18 rate of conceptions was 39.7 per 1000 girls aged
15-17, compared with 41.4 for the same quarter in 2005. This is
the lowest first quarter rate since 1993, when the statistical
series started.
* Compared to the first quarter of 2005 the under 16 rate is
eight percent lower, and the under 18 rate four percent lower.
Minister for Children, Young People and Families, Beverley
Hughes said:
"This is further evidence that our Teenage Pregnancy
Strategy is working. We made a commitment to reduce the teenage
conception rates and to improve the quality of life for all young
people - we are delivering on that.
"Since our introduction of the strategy, every local
authority in the country has had a detailed look at their
performance in reducing teenage conceptions. Many have since
dramatically improved, by using our guidance and learning lessons
from other authorities around the country which have successfully
reduced their rates. There is no room for complacency however, and
we'll be keeping a close eye on performance at a local level.
"The latest available annual figures, from 2005, showed that
we were winning the fight to reverse a historic trend. Although
quarterly statistics fluctuate across the year, this is a very
encouraging indication for 2006 and beyond."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. As quarterly conception statistics have a marked seasonal
variation comparisons between different years should only be made
using the same quarter
2. Between 1998 and 2005, England's annual under-18
conception rate fell by 11.8%. The under-16 conception rate fell
by 12.1% over the same period.
3. Details of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy's latest
guidance can be found on the Teenage Pregnancy Unit website: http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/teenagepregnancy.
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