Teenage pregnancy blow for town

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics show that, in 2007, for every 1,000 girls aged between 15 and 17 in Doncaster, there were just over 60 pregnancies.

However, this has increased to just over 68 per 1,000 in the latest figures available, which relate to 2008. The actual number of pregnancies, meanwhile, has risen from 345 in 2007 to 386 in 2008.

Only Manchester, Hull and Lewisham had higher teenage pregnancy rates.

Dr Tony Baxter, director of public health for Doncaster, said: "Although the teenage conception rate in Doncaster is lower in the latest published figures than in 1999, when the national strategy was published, it remains a long-term health problem in Doncaster.

"The teenage conception rate fluctuates nationally and locally from year to year, however we continue to invest in areas where the international evidence of impact on teenage pregnancy is strongest; comprehensive information, advice and support.

"Because of its impact on the health and life chances of teenage mums and children, the reduction of the teenage conception rate remains a local priority for partners."

Nationally, the teenage pregnancy rate is now 40.4 per 1,000 girls, down from 41.7 per 1,000 in the previous year

This compares to a Yorkshire average of 47.3 per 1,000, slightly down from 47.6 in 2007.

In 2007, Sheffield and Barnsley had the joint-lowest teenage pregnancy rates in South Yorkshire, at 50.4 out of 1,000. Rotherham's figures were slightly higher at 50.7 per 1,000.

The new figures, however, show that only Sheffield has seen a reduction in its teenage pregnancy rate, from 50.4 per 1,000 in 2007 down to 46.7 per 1,000 in 2008.

Over the same time period, figures for Barnsley have risen to 52 per 1,000 and Rotherham's figures are now 55.8 per 1,000.

Keri Duffy, NHS Rotherham teenage pregnancy co-ordinator, said: "Rotherham's teenage pregnancy and sexual health team have developed a number of exciting new projects over recent years which are now starting to show positive results.

"From local estimated data we are expecting a substantial decline in 2009 rates due to the successes of these initiatives."

Coun Andrew Sangar, Sheffield Council's spokesman for children's services, said that the success achieved in reducing teenage pregnancies in Sheffield was due to the work of the Teenage Pregnancy Partnership, which involves staff from both the council and NHS Sheffield.

He added: "We know there is more to do and we believe we can build on our success and continue to support even more young people across the city to make positive informed choices for themselves about their sexual health."

Overall Sheffield has achieved a 7.6 per cent reduction in teenage pregnancies since 1998, the baseline year.

The Sheffield Teenage Pregnancy Partnership has launched a number of initiatives, such as increasing access to contraception and delivering support programmes such as "Aspire for Life", which is currently being rolled out to cover 600 teenagers.

Problems associated with teenage pregnancy typically include low birthweight, higher death rates, cervical cancer and the possibility of being caught in the poverty trap.

In 1998 the Labour government pledged to halve teenage pregnancy rates among girls aged under 18, but is now widely expected to miss that target.