The number of teenagers getting pregnant in Cornwall has dropped again, with the under-18 conception rate now well below the national average.

According to data released this week by the Office for National Statistics, Cornwall’s teenage conception rate now stands at 21.3 conceptions per 1000 women, compared to the UK’s national average of 24.5 conceptions per 1000 women.

The rate continues to drop year on year and 2013 saw the highest percentage drop in conception rates in one year since the national teenage pregnancy strategy began in 1998 with an impressive 18% drop from the year prior.

Since the launch of the National Teenage Pregnancy Strategy in 1998, Cornwall has achieved a 46.5% reduction in the rate of teenage conceptions, though the target reduction for England and Wales, of 50%, has yet to be reached. 

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, 48% lead to abortion, an avoidable burden for the young women affected.

Louise Sweeney, from Cornwall Council’s Public Health team, said: “It’s fantastic that Cornwall continues to see a decline in its rates of teenage conceptions. It demonstrates that the sustained effort and commitment by dedicated professionals and local organisations is making a difference. In the coming year we intend to continue to focus on teenage pregnancy, ensuring young people are able to receive the information and services they need to make healthy choices around relationships and sexual health and prevent unwanted pregnancy.”

Lex Gainsbury, also from Cornwall Council’s Public Health team added: “Evidence tells us that access to a full range of contraception and sexual health services which are young people- friendly, and consistent relationships and sex education (RSE) from an early age are most effective in reducing teenage pregnancy.

“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. You can find out about all of these services by visiting the Cornwall SHAC website.”

Just last week MP’s through the Education Select Committee called for improvements to PSHE and SRE (Sex and Relationships Education). One of the recommendations was that the name SRE was changed to RSE, Relationships and Sex Education, a move Cornwall has already taken.

Councillor Andrew Wallis, lead member for Children’s Services, said: “Good relationships and sex education will include emotions, consent, understanding the law, self-esteem and relationships, which is vital in preparing young people for becoming an adult and supporting good sexual health and wellbeing. That is why in Cornwall we chose to place the emphasis on ‘relationships’ when talking about RSE”

Schools in Cornwall have access to a wide range of support on RSE including Cornwall’s Health Promotion Service, Healthy Schools, Brook Young People and CLEAR’s Healthy Relationships Programme. A new resource available for schools and colleges to use, the Kernow King Sex Tape and Resource, has been shortlisted for a UK Sexual Health Award.

In addition to support for schools, parents and carers can also get support and training on relationships and sex education, to support them to have conversations with their children, through Speakeasy.

Professionals working with young people are guided by the Relationship and Sexual Health Guidance and can access a free sexual health training programme, all available on the Councils website.