New data reveal a decrease in the teenage abortion rate

This morning’s publication of the 2008 abortion statistics from the Department of Health show that the under-16 abortion rate was 4.2 and the under-18 rate was 18.9 per 1,000 women, both lower than in 2007.

Overall, in 2008, for women residents in England and Wales, the total number of abortions was 195,296, compared with 198,499 in 2007, a fall of 1.6%. Leading sexual health agency Marie Stopes International (www.mariestopes.org.uk) issues the following statement:

“Marie Stopes International welcomes the fall in the teenage abortion rate and the reduction in the overall number of abortions carried out in England and Wales in 2008. We are particularly pleased to see the reduction in the teenage abortion rate which suggests that the Government’s strategy is having a real impact.

“Although parenthood might be a planned choice for some young women, for others becoming a teenage mum unintentionally can cost them their education and career. We are pleased that those teenagers who have aspirations other than motherhood appear to be protecting themselves against unintended pregnancy. However, no method of contraception is 100% effective, and it is noticeable that more and more young adults faced with an unintended pregnancy are recognising that the life outcomes for them and their future family may be better if they delay parenthood.

“Marie Stopes International recently welcomed the announcement made by the Department for Children, Schools and Families that sex and relationship education is expected to become a compulsory part of the national curriculum at both primary and secondary levels by 2011. If we are to continue to improve on the abortion statistics, parents, politicians and healthcare professionals need to work with educators to provide integrated sexual health services.

“Parents should try to promote an open attitude towards talking about sex, to ensure their children approach them for advice if needed. Following the wholesale closure of family planning centres across the UK in recent decades, politicians need to facilitate the provision of accessible contraceptive advice and supplies specifically tailored to young people’s needs. And healthcare professionals need to promote and increase the acceptability of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods which rely less on compliance and may be more effective in preventing pregnancy in the long term.

“Prevention is better than cure, and the evidence is clear that when men and women of all ages are given information and access to a variety of contraceptive methods, real reductions in unintended pregnancy rates, and consequently abortion rates, can be achieved. We need to continue to prioritise sexual health to ensure that in 2009 abortion rates show a further notable decrease.”

All quotes are attributable to Liz Davies, Director UK & Europe, Marie Stopes International.

To access the 2008 abortion statistics please visit www.dh.gov.uk

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Categories: United Kingdom; Europe; Abortion; Advocacy & campaigning

21/05/2009

New data reveal a decrease in the teenage abortion rate

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