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Probe into teenage pregnancy rate Probe into teenage pregnancy rate
(about 19 hours later)
Authorities are investigating why the teenage pregnancy rate in two Dorset towns is 40% higher than the national average and how to reduce it. Authorities have begun investigating why the teenage pregnancy rate is so high in two Dorset towns and what can be done to address the growing problem.
In Weymouth and Portland 59 out of every 1,000 of 15 to 17 year-olds in Weymouth and Portland become pregnant. In Weymouth and Portland 49 out of every 1,000 15 to 17 year olds become pregnant.
This compares to 49 for the county and 42 for England. The county average is 28 out of 1,000, and the national average is 42.
A Weymouth & Portland Borough Council committee is examining what support is available to vulnerable teenagers and challenges facing health providers.A Weymouth & Portland Borough Council committee is examining what support is available to vulnerable teenagers and challenges facing health providers.
It is the first time that such a review will take place in the county.It is the first time that such a review will take place in the county.
"Teenage pregnancy is an issue that has a major impact on local people's lives and cuts across the work of many different agencies," said Brian Ellis, chairman of the committee."Teenage pregnancy is an issue that has a major impact on local people's lives and cuts across the work of many different agencies," said Brian Ellis, chairman of the committee.
"As members of the scrutiny committee we need to provide strong community leadership on this kind of issue and challenge both the council and other agencies to ensure that residents are getting the support they need.""As members of the scrutiny committee we need to provide strong community leadership on this kind of issue and challenge both the council and other agencies to ensure that residents are getting the support they need."