15/11/2004 - Teenage pregnancy rates stabilise in Cumbria

Figures published today by the Office of National Statistics show that teenage pregnancy rates in Cumbria have stayed the same. Fran Frankland, Cumbria's Teenage Pregnancy Co-ordinator said:

"Over the past four years there has been a consistent downward trend in conception rates in Cumbria. This trend has now stabilised. Nationally it would seem that the trend rates are going up, not just in teenagers, but in the population as a whole, but today has stopped us in our tracks. Cumbria is still on target to meet the 2004 15% drop in rates, but we need to investigate why the rate has slowed down." 

The Cumbria Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Strategy will be finding out why the rate has slowed down and look at how it may restart the downward trend. Meanwhile, the Strategy will continue to focus on prevention services, such as supporting the training of teachers who provide sex and relationships education in schools across the county. The Teenage Pregnancy Strategy has been working with NHS services, increasing access to contraceptive services. Connexions have been providing an out reach scheme across the county and information and advice has been made widely available to young people.

Anyone under 18 and wants confidential advice on sex and contraception can call Sexwise on 0800 28 29 30.