In News

Follow this topic

Bookmark

Record learning outcomes

The conception rate among under-18s in 2013 was the lowest since records began, dropping by 12.3 per cent to 24.3 per 1000. Since 1998, the under-18 conception rate has decreased by 47.9 per cent, with reductions of more than 60 per cent in some local authorities in England. €The significant reduction is proof that concerted effort, evidencebased approaches and significant time can make a difference to complex public health issues,€ says Alison Hadley, teenage pregnancy knowledge exchange director at the University of Bedfordshire and Public Health England (PHE) advisor. However, significant variation remains across the country, with the rate for some areas being significantly higher than the national average. PHE advises comprehensive sex and relationship education in and out of school, easy access to contraceptive and sexual health services, intensive prevention for those most at risk and coordinated support for young parents.