Teenage Pregnancy Statistics 2005 In England And Wales - Brook Response

Commenting on the teenage conception statistics for England and Wales in 2005, published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Val Buxton, Head of Policy and Development for Brook, the sexual health charity for young people, said:


"It's encouraging that the rate of pregnancies among under-18s is continuing to fall, but clearly much more still needs to be done. The small increase in the rate of pregnancies among young people under-16 underlines the need for education and services to pay particular attention to the needs of younger teenagers.


"Improving young people's sexual health needs to be a priority for every school, every local authority and every Primary Care Trust. That means working together and learning the lessons from those areas that have been successful in reducing teenage pregnancies; investment in confidential sexual health services dedicated to young people; improving sex and relationships education; and ensuring that the most vulnerable young people receive targeted support.


"Brook is extremely concerned that in some parts of the country it is getting harder rather than easier for young people to get contraceptive and sexual health advice, as funding for some services is cut and others are closed altogether. At the same time sex and relationships education (SRE) in some schools still falls far short of what young people say they need, and the Government continues to resist calls to guarantee every young person comprehensive SRE, through the national curriculum.


"As long as young people's need for better education and services is neglected, reducing rates of teenage pregnancy will be an uphill struggle."


Brook

421 Highgate Studios

53-79 Highgate Road

London NW5 1TL
UK

Tel: 020 7284 6047

Fax: 020 7284 6050

brook


Brook

-- Putting young people first

-- Shop online and support Brook!

-- Raise funds for Brook by connecting to your favourite store's website via our shopping link

charityshoppersbrook


Brook is the trading name of Brook Advisory Centres - Limited Company Registered in England and Wales Number 813847. Registered Charity Number 239966.