Press Release 7th Jan, 2013

MSP to head inquiry into teenage pregnancy

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil will head asn inquiry into teenage pregnancy being conducted by the Scottish Parliament's health commitee.

The inqiry which was launched last week will ask if action being taken in Scotland is sufficient to bring about real and sustained reductions in unplanned teenage pregnancy.

It will also investigate what support is available for those most at risk of teenage pregnancy or who have a baby when they are very young.

Duncan McNeil MSP said:

“The statistics are clear - Scotland has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Western Europe. Particular regions of our country are affected by this issue, which is more prevalent in areas of deprivation, and can have a long lasting effect on generations of young women and their children.

“Whilst there is general consensus over the fact that we need to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies, it is clear that there are no quick fixes or easy answers.

“Both local and national strategies are in place to try to reduce teenage pregnancy, but this inquiry will try and see if they are working, particularly because the reasons behind teenage pregnancy are complex and often linked to a number of factors.”

“The inquiry will seek to get the views of a cross section of organisations – from those in the NHS and nursing and midwifery professions through to the social workers and children’s charities to determine if Scotland can do any more to tackle this issue. The Committee is also keen to hear from those who have first-hand experience of teenage pregnancy”.