FSRH statement: ONS releases quarterly figures on under-18 conception rates (Jan-Mar 2019)

Office for National Statistics (ONS) quarterly figures on under-18 conception rates for women in England and Wales, published today, show that pregnancy rates in women aged 15-17 in England fell by 1.2% in January-March 2019, compared to the same period in 2018.

The rate of teenage pregnancies for January-March 2019 in England stands now at 16.8 per 1,000 women aged 15 to 17, whilst in 2018 it was 17 per 1,000.

However, there is regional disparity in teenage conception rates across the England and Wales. The North East, West Midlands, East, and South West regions have experienced increases in teenage conception rates.

Dr Asha Kasliwal, President of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), said:

“The outbreak of Covid-19 has resulted in a significant disruption to sexual and reproductive healthcare services in the UK. These changes have detrimentally impacted many vulnerable groups, including young people. Sexual and reproductive healthcare clinics have closed across the country, and almost all consultations are now taking place remotely rather than face-to-face to avoid risk of infection by Covid-19. Without face-to-face consultations, picking up on safeguarding issues, domestic abuse and teenage pregnancy can be more difficult. “

"Sexual and reproductive healthcare services for young people, including outreach services, must be maintained throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Services that are currently unavailable must be restored in a manner that is safe for both young people and healthcare professionals. The maintenance and restoration of these services is essential to sustain the downward trend in teenage pregnancy rate, to reduce regional health inequalities, and to improve the sexual and reproductive health and emotional well-being of young people in the UK.”

ENDS

For further information please contact Camila Azevedo, FSRH External Affairs Manager, at cazevedo@fsrh.org / 02037945309

Notes to editors:

The ONS quarterly figures on under-18 conception rates for women in England and Wales Q1 2019 can be found here. 

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) is the largest UK professional membership organisation working at the heart of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), supporting healthcare professionals to deliver high quality care. It works with its 15,000 members, to shape sexual reproductive health for all. It produces evidence-based clinical guidance, standards, training, qualifications and research into SRH. It also delivers conferences and publishes the journal BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health in partnership with the BMJ.