Teenage pregnancies at lowest level since records began in 1994

Scottish Government baby box - Image credit: Scottish Government

Teenage pregnancies in Scotland have fallen to their lowest level since records began 25 years ago, according to the latest national statistics.

In 2017 there were 30.2 teenage pregnancies per 1,000 women, a slight reduction from 31.7 in 2016, but significantly lower than in 1994, when the rate was 54.7.

This is the tenth year in a row that the rate of teenage pregnancies has fallen.

The gap in teenage pregnancy rates between the most and least deprived areas has also reduced.

Teenage pregnancies among those living in the most deprived areas decreased from 93.7 to 56.0 per 1,000 and those in the least deprived areas dropped from 23.4 to 11.5 per 1,000 in 2017.

Commenting on the statistics, Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “It is encouraging to see a fall in the rates of teenage pregnancy for the tenth successive year.

“This reduction means rates are the lowest since monitoring began in 1994.

“I’m particularly pleased that the gap in teenage pregnancy rates between the most and least deprived areas is narrowing too.

“We have taken significant action in this area and are working with partners to further support young people around both pregnancy and parenthood.

“This includes the introduction of our ‘Pregnancy and Parenthood in Young People Strategy’ in 2016, which aims to address the cycle of deprivation associated with pregnancy in young people and ensure services put young people at the centre of decision-making, helping them to achieve their potential as young people and as parents.”