Poverty link to pregnancy rates

from the BBC

Teenage girls living in the poorest parts of Scotland are four times more likely to become pregnant than those in the country's most affluent areas.

The trend has been revealed in the latest statistics published by the NHS.

Reducing teenage pregnancy rates in deprived areas is a key government target, but there has been little change over the past six years.

More than 9,000 teenage girls became pregnant in Scotland in 2005, including 678 aged under 16.

The figures for 2005 showed a slight drop in the total number of girls under 16 who became pregnant.

The pregnancy rate for that age group has also remained fairly steady over the past six years, despite a government commitment to try to reduce it.

We are aware that we are not on track to meet the target for reducing teenage pregnancies in deprived areas
Shona Robison
Public health minister

Dundee remained Scotland's teen pregnancy capital, with 80 pregnancies for every 1,000 teenage girls.

NHS Tayside had the highest pregnancy rate for all age groups in Scotland, as well as the highest abortion rate.

The statistics showed a staggering difference in pregnancy rates for Scotland's most and least deprived areas.

Almost one in 10 teenage girls living in the poorest areas became pregnant in 2005, compared to one in 40 in the most affluent.

The minister for public health described the high teenage pregnancy rate as "concerning" and said the Scottish Government was working hard to reduce it.

'Good progress'

Shona Robison said: "We are aware that we are not on track to meet the target for reducing teenage pregnancies in deprived areas.

"That is why we are now working even more closely with NHS boards to help them achieve the actions and targets contained within 'Respect and Responsibility', Scotland's national sexual health strategy.

"Reducing unintended teenage pregnancies in girls under 16 is a key aim of the strategy, which promotes the values of mature loving relationships, founded on self respect and respect for others."

Ms Robison added that a total of £15m was being spent on the three-year scheme, which looked set to deliver government targets.

She said: "Since 1995, there has been good progress made towards achieving the 20% reduction in teenage pregnancies in 13-15 year olds by 2010.

"If current trends continue, the 2010 target level will be met.

"All NHS boards now have local action plans in place and are working towards addressing targets."