Teen mum rate drops (From Stourbridge News)

Teen mum rate drops

12:35pm Tuesday 27th February 2007 in Local

COUNCILLORS have said there is still room for improvement despite Dudley teenage pregnancies being slashed by almost 15 per cent since 1998.

Rates for Dudley show there has been a 14.8 per cent drop in teenage pregnancies between 1998 and 2005, with a 2.2 per cent decrease recorded from 271 pregnancies in 2004 and 266 in 2005.

In Birmingham the rate has fallen by 13.5 per cent between 1998 and 2005 and a 2.4 per cent drop between 2004 and 2005.

But Sandwell has seen a 9.7 per cent increase in rates since 2004 but they are down by 10.1 per cent on 1998.

The figures record the number of teenager girls under the age of 18 getting pregnant.

Statistics published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday February 22 show teenage pregnancy rates across England also continue to fall.

Councillor Liz Walker, Dudley Council cabinet member for children's services, said: "This demonstrates the approach the council is taking with its partners, is working.

"We are focusing on improving sex and relationships education (SRE) in schools, encouraging parents top speak to their children about sexual health and relationships and talking with youngsters about the range of services they want.

"However the figure is still too high and we will continue to work to bring it down in the coming years."

Penny Barber, chief executive for Brook in Birmingham, said: "Every West Midlands local authority shows a reduction in teenage pregnancies from 1998 to 2005.

"This is a fantastic achievement for the region, despite the odd blips."