Re-elect Jacqui Smith

Jacqui Smith MP welcomes fall in Worcestershire teenage pregnancy rates

The rate of teenage pregnancies has fallen by 11.2% in Worcestershire between 1998 and 2008 according to offical figures published today.  Over the last 10 years information, advice and support for young people about sex and contraception has significantly improved. Sex and relationship education is being reformed and access to free contraception is now easier than ever before.

Commenting on the progress, Jacqui Smith said:

‘I am pleased to see this reduction in children getting pregnant and having children themselves!  Sex education is getting better and I hope that it will focus on encouraging young people to delay the age at which they become sexually active as well as advising young people about free contraception when they do.

This is good news, but I’m pleased that the Government has also published a plan for the next ten years to continue this progress.  It will focus on more information for young people – particularly online, help for parents with talking to their children about sex, better training for teachers and others working with young people on sex education.  I don’t want any teenage girl to face an unwanted pregnancy!’

Jacqui Smith MP

To contact Jacqui about this story, please email her at smithjj@parliament.uk