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Teenage pregnancies decline in Manchester

03/03/2008

The number of teenage pregnancies in Manchester declined over a 12-month period, new figures have revealed.

In 2006, there were 537 teenage pregnancies in the city, compared with 591 in the previous year, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The under-18 conception rate fell from 71.9 per 1,000 in 2005 to 67.0 per 1,000 in 2006, which is a reduction of 6.8 per cent.

Laura Roberts, chief executive of Manchester Primary Care Trust, welcomed the news and said it reflects the benefits of the "combined efforts being made by different agencies across the city".

"Delaying parenthood until later in life gives both mother and child a better chance of a healthier and happier life," she added.

Since 2002, the government has spent £138 million on initiatives to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy.

However, there has only been a five per cent decline, despite a target rate of 50 per cent, according to the Independent.