2. In 2008, 38,750 under 18s teenage pregnancies
7,123 under 16 teenage pregnancies
Teenage pregnancy in Britain more common than the rest of Europe; 6
times more prevalent than the Netherlands, 3 times more prevalent
than in France.
In 2008, more than 20 teenage girls aged between 13 and 15 became
pregnant every day
3. Government Initiatives
Every Child Matters
Halve under-18 conception rate by 2010
Increase the number of teenage parents in education, employment and
training.
Importance of prioritising sexual health education in schools
4. Negative Impacts
Children of teenage mothers 60% more likely to have low birth
weight and experience infant mortality
Teenage mothers 3 times more likely to suffer from post-natal
depression and poor mental health
Teenage mothers and parents more likely to live in poverty
5. Media Coverage
Stigma attached to teenage pregnancies;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzUniIMIuGU&feature=related
Tony Blair described the high teenage birth rate as Britain's
"shameful record
The Governments Teenage Pregnancy Strategy wants to establish a
firm downward trend in under 16 conception rate.
6. Provisions not in place for teenage girls under age of 16
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/poverty-link-to-teen-pregnancy/7323.html
Government not offering many benefits and help for those under 16 =
suggesting it is wrong to be pregnant at that age?
7. Media coverage exaggerating problem?
Over past 10 years, rates falling in England
In 1998, 46.6 per 1000 pregnant teenagers aged 15-17 compared to
2006 40.4 per 1000.
Reduction of 23% in teenage pregnancies of under -18s since
1998.
8. In late 1960s, 10% of births were to mothers under age of 20;
2004 7.1% under the age of 20 = a contemporary concern?
Is the issue
Marriage?
Education?
9. Conclusion
The media and society reflect both positive and negative views on
teenage pregnancy
Government put high emphasis on reducing the number of pregnancies,
but at the same time provide services to them.
History indicates teenage pregnancies not a contemporary
issue
