Tackling under-18 conceptions is a complex issue, with a range of external factors that can impact on young people and conception rates; these include limited access to education, poverty, lack of opportunities and inadequate relationship, sex and health education (RSHE).
Without strong support networks, young parents are more likely to face a range of inequalities that can affect their health and wellbeing and outcomes for their children. Therefore, a focus on prevention with the aim of reducing unplanned pregnancies remains a priority locally and nationally.
PLEASE NOTE: We also have a dedicated JSNAA page on the topic of Sexual Health
Key Messages:
Data report:
Our strategies, plans and groups
The County Durham Sexual Health Strategy 2023-2028 has a vision:
…that everyone in County Durham will have access to high quality, inclusive and confidential sexual health support.
The strategy has five key priority areas. Priority two addresses teenage conceptions.
- Relationships Education (RE), and Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) across the life course
- Teenage conceptions, pregnancy and support for young parents
- Contraception
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) and HIV
- Reproductive health
A multi-agency Teenage Pregnancy Steering Group meets bi-monthly and supports the delivery of the strategy.
The evidence base
NICE Guidance CG110: Pregnancy and complex social factors: a model for service provision for pregnant women with complex social factors
Public Health England guidance: Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Framework
Sex Education Forum resources: Evidence