Teen pregnancy rates are still too high say experts

Without bold action, the aim of halving under-18 conception rates by 2010 will not be met, the Independent Advisory Group on Teenage Pregnancy warned.

The recommendation of compulsory sex education for all has previously been rejected by government.

However, ministers said they would study the recommendations and provide a full response by March 2005.

Among the group's recommendations was a call for teenage pregnancy to be given higher priority and adequate funding.

At present, the minimum requirement is that the biological facts are taught. Anne Weyman of the Family Planning Association 'How to talk to us about sex'

It said while sex education had improved, the government's strategy was at "a critical stage" and required stronger commitment.

Lady Winifred Tumim, chairwoman of the advisory group, said: "Government must take a bold and courageous stance.

"Young people need to have relevant, well-taught sex and relationships education in school, alongside accessible and non-judgemental services.

"We also want to provide parents and carers of teenagers with appropriate support to ensure they have adequate skills and resources to talk to their children."

Urgent action

Figures from the Office of National Statistics earlier this month revealed that teenage pregnancies were still rising.

The conception rate in England and Wales increased by 3% between 2001 and 2002. There were 72.2 conceptions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 compared with 70.3 in 2001.

Recommendations Teenage pregnancy given high priority Compulsory sex and relationship education in schools National campaign promoting SRE Access to confidential teen services Involving young people Personal advisors for young parents Financial support for young parents Guidance for people working with young people

The conception rate for girls aged 15-17 in England and Wales rose slightly, from 42.7 conceptions per 1,000 in 2001 to 42.8 in 2002.

Anne Weyman, chief executive of the Family Planning Association, urged the government to make sex and relationships education in schools compulsory "as a matter of urgency".

"At present, the minimum requirement is that the biological facts are taught, with any extended programme at the discretion of individual schools.

"It's iniquitous that provision varies so widely across the country and that in many areas young people fail to receive what should be their educational entitlement.

"There needs to be a much broader programme that provides young people with the skills and knowledge they need to negotiate relationships in the real world."

Jan Barlow, Chief Executive of Brook, agreed with the recommendations, and warned: "We won't see a consistent fall in teenage pregnancy rates or reverse the alarming rise in sexually transmitted infections unless we give all young people the information they need to protect themselves."

A spokesperson for the Department of Education and Skills said: "We welcome the Independent Advisory Group's report, which recognises the significant progress made to date across government, on implementing the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy.

"The report highlights excellent work being undertaken at national, regional and local level along with key challenges ahead.