Teenage pregnancy is associated with elevated risks of
adverse health, social and economic outcomes for the
parents and the baby. The rising trends in teenage
conceptions across the region coupled with these risks
make this a priority issue to be tackled.

   Teenage pregnancy is associated with a complex range
of individual and social factors and therefore demands a
multi-dimensional, cross-agency approach. It has been
suggested that local authorities should take into account
the related activities of other agencies when tackling the
teenage pregnancy problem to develop a more integrated
and effective approach. 2

The burden of the teenage pregnancy problem in the
South West falls to the major towns and cities, which
have highest population densities. In general, the
problem of teenage pregnancy is a localised one, with
most of the conceptions occurring in a few areas. This is
a pattern seen across the whole of England and Wales.

Teenage conception rates are generally higher in areas
of marked socio-economic deprivation. Deprivation is
also associated with the proportion of teenage conceptions
which lead to abortion, with lower ratios of
abortions seen in the most deprived areas. Although
most of the inner city areas across the region have
substantial pockets of deprivation, there are some
notable areas of rural deprivation in the South West
which also have high rates of teenage conceptions.
General strategies aimed at tackling the problems of
socio-economic deprivation are likely to reduce teenage
pregnancy rates and the adverse outcomes associated
with pregnancy in teenagers. 2

Evidence suggests that lack of access to health services is
also associated with teenage pregnancy. 3 Research has
shown a relationship between proximity to youth
orientated services and reduced rates of under 16
pregnancy. The South West is a geographically diverse
region which spans a considerable area and has sizeable
pockets of rural isolation. Indeed, Cornwall, which has
considerable areas of rural isolation, has high conception
rates and low abortion rates. However, it is important
to note that in general conception rates are highest
and the proportion of conceptions which lead to
termination are lowest in the major towns and cities
across the region, which are also the areas where most
services are situated. These factors further emphasise
the complexities surrounding the teenage pregnancy
problem. Contraceptive services should be developed in
the light of a local needs assessment, which takes into
consideration local demographic information, the local
teenage pregnancy profile, the local services provided
and the utilisation of these services by teenagers. 2