The number of teenagers falling pregnant in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has dropped to the lowest ever recorded, according to figures released this week.

The Office of National Statistics has released data showing the conception rate among under-18s has continued to fall with an overall reduction 53% since the national reduction strategy began in 1999.

Cornwall also compares well to other counties in the south west with a conception rate of 18.9 per 1,000 women aged 15-17.

Cornwall Council has said that teenage pregnancy is often associated with negative health outcomes for the mother and child, with an increased likelihood of them both living in long-term poverty, and most teenage conceptions are unintended with around half resulting in a termination.

Lex Gainsbury, who leads the teenage pregnancy strategy for Cornwall Council’s Public Health team, said: “The figures are brilliant news and a testament to the hard work of all our services and partners across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. It demonstrates that sustained effort from committed individuals at every level really makes a difference.

“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”.

Councillor Andrew Wallis, lead member for Children’s Services, added: "This is really fantastic news and shows how organisations working together for a common goal does produce results and shows what can be achieved. It is great to see that we are continuing to reduce the levels of conceptions, and have not become complacent.

“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.”

Louise Sweeney from Public Health is working in partnership with organisations across Cornwall on relationships and sexual health. She said: “We all want to give our children the skills they need for a healthy future and parents, carers and families are key in supporting early discussion and education on relationships and sexual health.”

In Cornwall young people can access information and support from a wide range of services including the C-Card condom distribution scheme, pharmacies, their GP, contraceptive and sexual health clinics such as Brook or the Sexual Health Hub in Truro and in locations across Cornwall. Information on all of these services can be found at www.cornwallshac.org.uk/