Bid to cut teen mum numbers

HIGH rates of teenage pregnancy in deprived areas are to be investigated by MSPs in a bid to reduce numbers.

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Scotland has higher number of teenage pregnancies than other European countries and areas with higher levels of deprivation are more likely to have more teenage mothers.

Glasgow, while not the highest in Scotland, has a higher than average rate of babies born to teenagers and to under 16s.

In the city, the rate of under 16s becoming pregnant was 8.8 per 1000 girls, higher than the Scottish average of 7.4 but lower than the highest Dundee at 14.4.

For under 18s the city's rate was also higher at 46 per 1000 compared to the national figure of 38 and again lower than Dundee at 66 per 1000.

Research has shown a teenage female living in a deprived area is four times more likely to experience a pregnancy than someone living in one of the least deprived areas.

The Scottish Parliament Health and Sport Committee has launched an inquiry into he higher rates and will look at different programmes to see what works and what doesn't.

Bob Doris, Glasgow SNP MSP who is deputy convener of the committee said the MSPs wanted to hear from a range of people, not just health professionals.

He said: "This inquiry is about trying 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 more to tackle this issue.

"Our committee is also keen to hear from those who have first-hand experience of teenage pregnancy."

Research has found that babies born to younger mothers are more likely to have low birth weight and infant mortality rates are also higher.

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