2. In 2008, 38,750 under 18’s teenage pregnancies 7,123 under 16 teenage pregnancies Teenage pregnancy in Britain more common than the rest of Europe; 6 times more prevalent than the Netherlands, 3 times more prevalent than in France. In 2008, more than 20 teenage girls aged between 13 and 15 became pregnant every day
3. Government Initiatives Every Child Matters Halve under-18 conception rate by 2010 Increase the number of teenage parents in education, employment and training. Importance of prioritising sexual health education in schools
4. Negative Impacts Children of teenage mothers 60% more likely to have low birth weight and experience infant mortality Teenage mothers 3 times more likely to suffer from post-natal depression and poor mental health Teenage mothers and parents more likely to live in poverty
5. Media Coverage Stigma attached to teenage pregnancies; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzUniIMIuGU&feature=related Tony Blair described the high teenage birth rate as Britain's "shameful record” The Government’s Teenage Pregnancy Strategy wants to ‘establish a firm downward trend in under 16 conception rate.
6. Provisions not in place for teenage girls under age of 16 http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/poverty-link-to-teen-pregnancy/7323.html Government not offering many benefits and help for those under 16 = suggesting it is wrong to be pregnant at that age?
7. Media coverage exaggerating problem? Over past 10 years, rates falling in England In 1998, 46.6 per 1000 pregnant teenagers aged 15-17 compared to 2006 40.4 per 1000. Reduction of 23% in teenage pregnancies of under -18’s since 1998.
8. In late 1960s, 10% of births were to mothers under age of 20; 2004 7.1% under the age of 20 = a contemporary concern? Is the issue Marriage? Education?
9. Conclusion The media and society reflect both positive and negative views on teenage pregnancy Government put high emphasis on reducing the number of pregnancies, but at the same time provide services to them. History indicates teenage pregnancies not a contemporary issue
