Teenage pregnancy policy in England

Abstract

This article provides an account of the development and early stages of the implementation of the teenage pregnancy policy introduced in England in 1999 (Social Exclusion Unit). The historical background of the policy is briefly outlined, followed by summaries of the processes involved, some of the key data that were drawn upon in its development, the content of the policy, evaluation data, critiques, and concluding comments. The policy is shown to have been based within a wider framework of attempts to reduce the number of young people who were thought to become socially excluded from society as a result of early childbearing. Emphasis in the policy was placed on both improved prevention of early conceptions through comprehensive sex and relationships education, improved services, and more open communication between parents and children and through improved support for those women who choose to have children in their teenage years.