FSRH statement: teenage pregnancy rates continue to fall but some regions show increase

Office for National Statistics (ONS) Q2 2018 figures on under 18 conception rates for women in England and Wales published today show that pregnancy rates to women aged 15-17 in England have fallen by 8.7% in comparison to April-June 2017.

28th August 2019

The ONS figures show a decline from a rate of 18.3 per 1,000 young females in Q2 2017 to 16.7 in Q2 2018. All regions present decreasing rates except the North East, which saw an increase of 5.1%, and the East Midlands with 1.8%.

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

“ Despite the welcome trend in declining teenage pregnancy rates, we cannot rest until every teenage pregnancy is planned or intended across the country. FSRH therefore calls for action to address regional health inequalities and improve access to young people-friendly sexual and reproductive healthcare services.

“Enhanced access to services needs to go hand-in-hand with high-quality Relationships and Sex Education in schools. Evidence shows a clear association between the delivery of high quality RSE and low levels of unintended pregnancy. Implementing high-quality Relationships and Sex Education must, therefore, be a priority for the Department for Education.

“It is imperative that schools and teachers are supported to deliver the new curriculum and that they have access to adequate teaching materials. FSRH understands that the Government’s guidance leaves flexibility for schools to structure their programmes, but we urge the Department for Education to encourage schools to use reputable, evidence-based and medically accurate sources.”

Ends

Notes to the editors:

• Quarterly conceptions to women aged under 18 years, England and Wales: April to June 2018 data available 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.

For further information please contact:
Camila Azevedo
FSRH External Affairs & Standards Manager
Email: externalaffairsmanager@fsrh.org
Telephone: 02037945309