TEENAGE pregnancy numbers in Coventry are at their lowest in over 10 years, new figures reveal.
Data released by the Office of National Statistics has shown the number of women under the age 18 has fallen since 2004 – with a notable reduction in the number of conceptions in 2014.
The figures reveal there were 186 conceptions to under 18 year olds in the city in 2014, compared with 227 in 2013 and a peak 381 conceptions in 2002.
Councillor Kamran Caan, cabinet member for health and adult services said: “We know that teenage pregnancy can lead to poorer health and social outcomes for both parents and children so this is very positive news for Coventry.
“We have an excellent network of partners working hard to provide important sexual health services and support to young people.
“We recognise that there is still more work to do but this new data is very encouraging.”
While Coventry’s teenage pregnancy figures remain higher than the England and West Midlands average, the gap is closing – with the city’s rate falling faster than the national average.
Visit www.besavvy.org.uk for information on organisations across the city which provide young people with the knowledge and confidence to resist the pressure to have sex early and to know how to prevent early pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections when they do become sexually active.
