The teenage pregnancy rate in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level since reporting began but remains highest in Scotland's most deprived communities.

Statistics issued by Public Health Scotland for women aged under 20 at the time of conception show 3,300 teenage pregnancies in 2020, representing 23.9 per 1,000 women.

In the 1990s and early 2000s the rate was nearly 60 per 1,000, reaching more than twice this most recent figure.

The Scottish government says the continuing reduction owes much to the ‘ongoing support and dedication of community, health and education services’.

Rates were highest in the area covered by NHS Fife (28.9 per 1,000) and lowest in NHS Highland (18.3 per 1,000 women).

Although pregnancy rates reduced fastest in the areas of highest deprivation – narrowing the gap with least deprived areas – the most deprived areas still had a teenage pregnancy rate five times higher than that of the least deprived areas of Scotland.

The data shows teenage women from the most deprived areas were more likely to see their pregnancy to term; while those in the most affluent areas were more likely to terminate the pregnancy.

The Scottish government acknowledges that for some teenage women, pregnancy may be a planned, positive life choice, but says reducing unintended teenage pregnancy remains a priority.

Scotland's Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport, Maree Todd, says the focus must continue to be on supporting teenage girls and young women:

“In March 2016, The Scottish government published our Pregnancy and Parenthood in Young People Strategy that addresses the fundamental causes of pregnancy in young people.

“It highlights the key factors for supporting young people who are vulnerable to pregnancy including education and attainment, training and employment, and the importance of positive relationships.

“Through the delivery of the strategy, we are working to ensure that young parents have the support they need to help them to reach their full potential and better lives for themselves and for their children.”

Health inequalities can impact halfway through pregnancy and Claire Sweeney from Public Health Scotland told healthandcare.scot that the government still needs to provide more support throughout pregnancy, especially in these earlier stages for people on low incomes.

Ms Todd added that the government is delivering ongoing support for younger mothers:

“We are continuing to provide support to young, first time mothers aged 19 and under through the Family Nurse Partnership programme. The programme aims to improve pregnancy and birth experience, child health and development and the economic stability of the family.”

The Scottish government says over 10,000 young mothers have been involved in the Family Nurse Partnership programme, with over 6,000 completing it and graduating.

The publication of the statistics comes as parliamentarians – backed by healthcare professionals – are considering legislation to create buffer zones to keep protesters away from clinics where people may be offered abortion advice or termination procedures.

Read more: Views sought on abortion clinic buffer zones; Ministers publish ambitions for women’s health; Ministers order research into abortion clinic protests;

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