Cornwall’s under 18 pregnancy rate has continued to fall and is now less than half it was in 1998 when the National Teenage Pregnancy Strategy began.

Data released by the Office for National Statistics shows Cornwall’s annual conception rate to be 18.2 conceptions per 1,000 women aged five to 17, a 54.3 per cent decrease from the 1998 baseline of 39.8 per 1,000. This means Cornwall has not only exceeded the national target of a 50 per cent reduction in pregnancy rates, but has also outperformed the average reduction achieved across England and Wales of 40 per cent.

Cornwall Council remains committed to reducing the rate of under 18 conceptions and improving outcomes for young parents and their children through the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy and Action plan. Teenage pregnancy is often associated with negative health outcomes for the mother and child and increased likelihood of them both living in long-term poverty. In addition to this, many teenage conceptions are unintended. Around half result in a termination.

Lex Gainsbury, who leads the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy at Cornwall Council said: “Today’s figures are fantastic news and are testament to the hard work of all our services and partners across Cornwall. It demonstrates that sustained effort from committed individuals at every level really makes a difference. We are over the moon to have achieved the national target but it is important that we do not become complacent and face the challenges ahead with the same vigour and enthusiasm as that which has got us this far.

“Evidence shows that the two factors that have the biggest impact on rates are access to young people friendly sexual health services and both formal and informal relationship and sex education, ensuring young people have the skills, knowledge and confidence to make positive choices about their sexual health now and in the future."

Louise Sweeney, who also manages the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy, added: "We want to do more to ensure we are effectively sharing key messages around relationships and sexual health with the people of Cornwall. Because of this Cornwall Council is currently working with partners throughout sexual health to launch a new initiative entitled TALK Relationships and Sexual Health (RSH).

"The aim of the initiative is to encourage people across Cornwall to TALK about relationships and sexual health and access the support and services they need to do this confidently. You may want to know more about improving your own sexual health, or want support in talking to your own children and young people about relationships, growing up and sexual health, either way TALK relationships is here to help."

Councillor Andrew Wallis, the Council’s lead member for children and young people said: "This is really fantastic news and shows how organisation working together for a common goal does produce results and shows what can be achieved. You cannot achieve a 50 per cent conception rate reduction without this cooperation and I would like to thank all those individuals and organisations who have made this possible.

“It is imperative to all people no matter what age or gender to have a positive understanding of sexual health, their bodies and the choices they can make. That is why supporting and enabling good quality, comprehensive relationships and sex education at home and in our schools is a key priority for Cornwall.”