FPA statement on teenage pregnancy rates for 2005

22 February 2007

Commenting on the teenage pregnancy figures for 2005, Anne Weyman, Chief Executive, fpa said:

“Teenage pregnancy is a complex social issue requiring long-term strategic solutions. The dramatic reduction in teenage pregnancy in some parts of the country clearly demonstrates that the strategy can make a tremendous difference. However, other areas in England still have stubbornly high teenage pregnancy. fpa would like to see more community based personal development and sexual health programmes for the most at-risk young people.

“Since the start of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy, reproductive choices within this age group have widened. Fewer young women have become pregnant and others are making responsible decisions about whether to continue with a pregnancy or not.

“Yet again, fpa repeats its familiar call for mandatory comprehensive sex and relationships education in schools. Only last week we heard that the sexual health of young people in the UK is among the worst in Europe (1). Sex and relationships education (SRE) is the foundation stone of good sexual health. Without it, young people will continue to lag behind their European counterparts.”

-ENDS-

For further information please contact fpa’s press office on 020 7608 5265/5258. Mobile 07958 921060.

Notes to Editors

(1) Child Poverty in Perspective: An Overview of Child Well-being in Rich Countries, UNICEF 14th February 2007.

fpa (Family Planning Association) is the only registered charity working to improve the sexual health and reproductive rights of all people throughout the UK.

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