Statement from Brook on a further drop in the teenage pregnancy rate for England and Wales

Published: 24 February 2015

Today (24 February 2015) the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released the annual figures for teenage conceptions in England and Wales. 

The ONS figures show that the under 18 conception rate in England and Wales in 2013 is 24.5 per 1,000, down from 27.9 per 1,000 in 2012. 

The under 16 conception rate in England and Wales in 2013 is 4.9 per 1,000, down from 5.6 per 1,000 in 2012.

Brook’s Deputy Chief Executive, Jules Hillier, said: 

“We always knew that large reductions in teenage pregnancy rates were possible, but that it would take time. Today’s figures are testament to a lot of hard work that must be sustained even in the face of spending cuts - investment in prevention is cost effective. If we are to sustain these record lows, local authorities must ensure they continue to invest in sex and relationships education, and specialist young people's services as well as targeted work for vulnerable groups of young people.” 

The ONS data is available here. 

For media enquiries please contact Brook's press office on 07789 682831 or email press@brook.org.uk

Notes to editors

Brook believes that young people should have access to great sexual health services and wellbeing support.

Brook provides free and confidential sexual health information, contraception, pregnancy testing, advice and counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and education programmes, reaching nearly 235,000 young people nationwide every year.
 
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