Teenage pregnancy, by and large unplanned, has become one of the major public
health issues of our time. Despite the widespread and improved availability of
contraception, the problem is unresolved and in some areas is increasing. Both live
births and abortions in teenagers in England are among the highest in Europe. The
circumstances of teenage pregnancy in the UK, including medical, social and public
health implications have been examined by the RCOG Study Group and their
findings are given in a comprehensive volume of proceedings, of which this is a
summary. Recent headlines point to a teenage sex health crisis fuelled by drink and
drugs, as well as confused messages from role models, and the lack of a coordinated
national approach. Yet there is some hope of a way forward. The Study Group reveals
the factors associated with success, including locally coordinated strategies,
comprehensive education programmes, accessible contraceptive services, as well as
wider social issues such as workforce training and recognition of vulnerable groups. I
recommend this Summary Review to all concerned about this issue, and this must
surely include all of us. I want to thank and congratulate the organisers and
contributors to the Study Group for a fine piece of work and for sound advice.
Allan Templeton
President, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist
