Link between deprivation and teenage pregnancies – Scottish government consultation launched
The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation on its draft National Pregnancy and Parenthood in Young People Strategy.
Teenage pregnancy rates in Scotland have continued to fall in 2013, to the lowest levels on record. Overall, the rates have declined since 2007 across under 16, under 18 and under 20 age groups.
The teenage pregnancy rate for under 20s has dropped from 57.7 per 1,000 population in 2007 to 37.7 per 1,000 population in 2013 – a decrease of around 35 per cent.
In mainland NHS Boards, NHS Grampian recorded the lowest rate in the under 20 age group while NHS Fife recorded the highest.
Despite this decrease in rates, there continues to be a strong link between deprivation and teenage pregnancy. In the under 20 age group, females living in the most deprived areas are nearly five times more likely to experience a pregnancy, and the rate of delivery is nearly 12 times higher than someone living in one of the least deprived areas.
The latest statistics are published as the Scottish Government launches a public consultation on its draft National Pregnancy and Parenthood in Young People Strategy. The draft strategy – the first of its kind in Scotland – aims to tackle the cycle of deprivation associated with many cases of pregnancy in young people, and provide extra support for young parents. It will look at the wider issues that lead to pregnancy in young people, as well as sexual health and relationships and therefore aim to give more choices and opportunities to young people and further support to young parents.
The draft Strategy looks to ensure that all agencies, not just the NHS, recognise the need to provide support to young people and young families. One of the proposed commitments is for a National Lead to provide strategic leadership in this area. The National Lead will engage with local and national organisations; ensure the consideration of up to date evidence and policy; monitor and react to progress; and enable sharing of experience and best practice across Scotland.
Public Health Minister Maureen Watt said: “I am pleased to see the rate of teenage pregnancy has continued to reduce for the sixth year, which is very encouraging alongside recent reductions in terminations of pregnancy.
“Reducing levels of pregnancy in young people will help to increase the choices, opportunities and wellbeing available to them throughout their lives. We must look not just at sexual health and relationships but also wider issues. Teenage pregnancy rates have been decreasing under this government, but we are determined to further decrease those rates and to close the inequality gap.
“I am disappointed that significant differences remain between those from deprived populations compared to more affluent populations.
“Our new draft strategy seeks to build on the reductions that we have seen over the last few years. We have engaged with key stakeholders and young people throughout its development and we will continue to engage with them throughout this consultation process to ensure we give young people in Scotland get the best start into adulthood.”
“The draft strategy emphasises the need for a holistic approach to tackling pregnancy in young people by considering wider factors that are key for supporting young people more widely, such as education, attainment and training and employment.
“It is essential that we continue to put the young person at the centre to help them achieve their potential both as individuals and where appropriate, as parents.”
The consultation on the Pregnancy and Parenthood in Young People Strategy can be found here: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/07/3144