The number of teenagers becoming pregnant in Blackburn and Darwen is continuing to fall, according to new figures released today.
The figures show that rates have fallen from 42.6 conceptions per thousand 15-17 year olds in 2008 to 39.3 conceptions in 2009 in the borough.
This is an overall reduction of 32.4 per cent since the national strategy to cut the number of teenage conceptions was introduced in 1998.
In Blackburn with Darwen, preventing teenage pregnancies and supporting young parents is everyone’s business, with the NHS, Borough Council and voluntary sector working together to give young people the best possible start in life.
Work includes media campaigns in an effort to raise awareness of the consequences of unsafe sex and risky behaviour as well as projects carried out with boys and young men to improve self esteem and intensive support for young people identified as most vulnerable to become teenage parents. Support is also available to young parents, giving them access to health services and encouraging them to continue in education, employment and training.
Dominic Harrison, the borough’s director of public health, said: “This is really good news. As the figures show, the teenage pregnancy rate continues to fall and shows the impact of good sex and relationships education and access to sexual health services. It is testament to the hardwork and sustained effort in the borough to reduce it."
