Rate of teenage pregnancy falls in county (From Worcester News)

Rate of teenage pregnancy falls in county

11:50am Friday 27th February 2009 in Search By James Connell

TEENAGE pregnancies are falling in Worcestershire even though they are rising elsewhere, according to the latest figures.

The number of under-18 conceptions across Worcestershire fell from 36 per 1,000 teenage girls in that age range in 2006 to 32.9 in 2007 (the most up-to-date figures).

This is a reduction of 6.3 per cent from 1998 (the baseline), according to the figures published yesterday by the Government.

Worcestershire’s figures are well below the national average of 41.7 under-18 conceptions per 1,000 and buck the national trend which shows a 2.7 per cent increase from 2006.

Reducing teenage pregnancies is part of a drive by the Worcestershire Teenage Pregnancy Partnership, which aims to help teenagers make informed choices about relationships, contraception and sexual health.

Simon Rushall, service development manager for the partnership, said: “The reduction in the rate of under-18 conceptions is a great boost for the county. We need to build on this improvement and ensure we reach even more young people.” Through training, the partnership has also been targeting parents and carers and helping them learn the skills and gain the confidence to speak to their sons and daughters about these issues.

The C-Card Scheme aims to help young people get free condoms from youth support workers who will talk to young people about healthy relationships, not having sex until they are sure they are ready, the laws related to sex, safer sex and how to use condoms correctly.

The Time 4U Service is a free and confidential drop-in service, which offers support to people up to the age of 21 on a range of health-related topics, including stress, healthy lifestyles, relationships, contraception, pregnancy, chlamydia testing and drugs.

Perdiswell Skate Club’s sexual health project was set up by dedicated workers, to allow young people to drop in and discuss relationships and sexual health issues with the workers.