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Teenage pregnancy

Introduction

Research evidence, particularly from longitudinal studies, shows that teenage pregnancy is associated with poorer outcomes for both young parents and their children. Teenage mothers are less likely to finish their education, are more likely to bring up their child alone and in poverty and have a higher risk of poor mental health than older mothers. Infant mortality rates for babies born to teenage mothers are around 60% higher than for babies born to older mothers. The children of teenage mothers have an increased risk of living in poverty and poor quality housing and are more likely to have accidents and behavioural problems.

Whilst teenage pregnancy rates have fallen substantially across the Lancashire-12 area over the longer term, the most recent five-year trend (to 2023) shows that rates have remained broadly stable, with no significant change.

Key findings

Under-16 conceptions (2023)

Reducing rates of teenage pregnancy and improving outcomes for young parents and their children remains an important priority for policy makers and commissioners across Lancashire. The under-16 conception rate is based on females aged 13-15.

  • For the period 2023, the under-16s conception rate in Lancashire-12 (2.9 per 1,000 females) is similar to the England rate (2.3) with the recent trend showing no significant change.

  • In Blackburn with Darwen (2.7) the under-16s conception rate is similar to England and in Blackpool (6.3) the rate is significantly higher than the England rate.

Under-18 conceptions (2023)

The under-18 conception rate (per 1,000 females aged 15-17) is one of the teenage pregnancy indicators in the Department of Health and Social Care Sexual and Reproductive Health profiles.

  • Lancashire-12's under-18s conception rate (15.7) is significantly higher than the England rate (13.5).

  • At a district level, Chorley (22.8) has a significantly higher rate of under-18 conceptions compared to the England rate. In the other 11 Lancashire-12 districts the rate is similar to the England rate.

  • In Blackburn with Darwen (12.6) the under-18 conception rate is similar to the England rate and in Blackpool (28.2) it is significantly higher than the England rate.

For county and unitary data and further information please see below.

Page updated November 2026